Nordisk Ukulele is expanding its assortment with one of Norway's most traditional instruments: the Jew's Harp! We are proud to offer handcrafted instruments from Original Schwarz in Austria, which boast centuries of experience.
If you're new to the world of Jew's Harps, you might wonder why the instruments come in so many different sizes. The answer is simple: Size determines the sound.
A Jew's Harp is a rhythmic instrument where you use your breath and oral cavity to create unique and vibrant sounds. But to achieve the sound you want, you need to choose the right size.
How to choose the right sound
The size of the Jew's Harp directly impacts its tone and resonance. These are the three main sounds you get in the JOY HARP series:
1. The Brightest and Fastest: Treble (e.g., No. 6 and 8)
The smallest Jew's Harps (like No. 6 and No. 8) have the shortest and lightest reed.
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Sound profile: Produces a bright, crisp, and fast tone.
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Best for: Rhythmic players. Perfect for creating quick, staccato effects and sparkling, bright melodies. If you want the tone to "sparkle" and stand out, a small size is ideal.
2. Balanced and Versatile: Standard (No. 12 and 14)
This is the most common size – and often the easiest to learn with.
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Sound profile: Produces a full, balanced tone that works well in most contexts.
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Best for: Beginners and all-round players. It provides enough volume and resonance for comfortable practice, while being agile enough for both rhythm and melody.
3. Deepest and Most Resonant: Bass (e.g., No. 15)
The largest Jew's Harps (like No. 15) have the longest reed and largest frame.
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Sound profile: Produces a dark, warm bass tone with long resonance and sustain.
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Best for: Meditation and deeper rhythms. If you want a calm, droning sound that sits in the background, or want to add a warm foundation to your music, the bass size is what you need.
Find your sound and start your Jew's Harp adventure today!
