Vangare is a jaw harp workshop established in Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Region, by Nikita Malov and his wife Elena in February 2012. Malov first encountered the jaw harp around 2002, when a friend showed him the instrument. This experience led to a lasting interest in ethnic music and overtone instruments.

Malov was also active as a musician, playing the didgeridoo, kalimba and percussion in the Saint Petersburg group Hidden Tribe. His broad interest in ethnic instruments directly influenced the workshop. Elena, an architect and designer, created the sketches and technical drawings, while Malov developed the construction and performed most of the metalwork and final adjustment.

Vangare jaw harps were distinguished by large sculptural frames cut from 4 mm sheet steel, hardened spring-steel reeds, engraved decoration and a blued finish. The basic construction and unusual frame shapes were developed at the outset; subsequent work concentrated on reed materials, sharpening methods, surface treatment and corrosion protection.

Malov considered sound and appearance to be equally important parts of a balanced instrument. The catalogue archive preserves two generations of Vangare jaw harps made in 2012–2013. During this period, the workshop moved from soft, low-pitched reeds towards stiffer and more dynamically responsive designs while retaining its recognisable monumental forms.

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