Rocker Kubyz

One of the patented inventions of the Bashkir varganist and instrument manufacturer R.A. Zagretdinov - the rocker kubyz - is a unique jaws harp that can change the base sound pitch during a playing without drowning out. This is done with a movable handle that changes the length of the working part of the tongue (or rather, fixing it at one midpoint) and, accordingly, rigidity - from 60 to 150. The design of the outlandish apparatus, whose images are bewildering even the most experienced players and collectors for more than a dozen years (appeared in 1984), arouses respect: all parts move smoothly. The acoustic part itself leaves much to be desired - the sound is quiet and inexpressive. But professionals - for whom the device is intended - do not need brightness with brilliance.