jews' harp
Noun: A small, simple musical instrument consisting of a flexible metal or bamboo tongue (called a reed) attached to a frame. The player holds the frame against their teeth or lips and plucks the reed with a finger while changing the shape of their mouth cavity to produce different notes and overtones.
The term is used to refer to the specific instrument. It is typically preceded by the indefinite article "a" or the definite article "the." - He played a tune on a Jew's harp. - The sound of the Jew's harp is quite distinctive.
- The instrument is known by many other names globally, such as , , , or the scientific term .
- It is considered one of the oldest musical instruments, with examples found in many ancient cultures across Europe and Asia.
- Jaw harp: A common modern variant of the name.
- Mouth harp: Another common synonym.
- Guimbard: The French-derived term used in organology (the study of musical instruments).
- Jaw harp
- Mouth harp
- Guimbard
The traditional name has been the subject of discussion regarding its potential to cause offense, as its etymology is unclear and not related to the Jewish people. Many musicians and scholars now prefer the alternative names jaw harp or mouth harp to avoid any possible misinterpretation.
- a small lyre-shaped musical instrument that is placed between the teeth and played by twanging a wire tongue while changing the shape of the mouth cavity