"Hanoi" Jew's Harp

This jaw harp sounds much as it looks: direct and locomotive-like, with plenty of mechanical coloration. The frame arms are wide and not particularly comfortable. Like other Vietnamese frame jaw harps, it offers limited playing possibilities: wide reed gaps, very few high overtones, a narrow dynamic range, little control and plenty of rattling. Simple, loud sounds are easy to produce, but that is about the limit. Reed elbows often break, and reeds can shift because of poor assembly. The included cases are made from unseasoned wood and may crack and warp over time.