The Painted Bamboo Mouth Jaw Harp is a traditional folk instrument handmade from a single piece of natural bamboo by indigenous communities within the Pacific islands of Oceania. Featuring vibrant dot painted designs, each instrument combines decorative craftsmanship with a distinctive musical voice. It is played by positioning the harp between the upper and lower jaws and adjusting breath, volume, and placement to shape its tone, producing a characteristic buzzing sound effect. Handmade from sustainable bamboo, this eco friendly instrument is both visually striking and enjoyable to play, making it a unique addition to any collection of traditional world instruments.
Specifications
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Size
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23cm x 2cm
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Weight
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50g
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Country of Origin
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Indonesia
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Product Care
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Handle with care, avoid exposure to excessive moisture
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Pitch
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High pitch
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Decay time
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100ms
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Dominant Frequency Range
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250hz - 4.8khz
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Frequency Range
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144hz - 7khz
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Peak decibels
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67db
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RMS decibels
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52db
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Loudness Rating
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Level 6
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Difficulty Rating
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5
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Attack
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10ms
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Timbre Tone Colour
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Bright and resonant
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Dynamic Range
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Low
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Safety Warning
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Contains small parts. Not suitable for children without adult supervision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play the Karinding Jaw Harp?
To play the Karinding, place the harp against your lips and pluck the tongue while changing the shape of your mouth and using your breath or voice to create different tones. It's all about resonance—your vocal tract acts as a filter, shaping the sound with syllables like “ng,” “ka,” or “ti” to change pitch and rhythm. With a little practice, it becomes intuitive and expressive.
Are all of the painted designs the same?
Each painted Karinding Jaw Harp features a similar dot-painting style, but no two are exactly. Some have floral patterns, others feature colourful, abstract curves—each one is uniquely hand-decorated, making every piece a one-of-a-kind musical work of art.
Can they be tuned?
While you can't tune the harp itself like a guitar, you can control pitch and tone using your mouth, voice, and breathing. Different syllables and vocal techniques can change the resonance, giving you a wide expressive range. It's a great instrument for experimentation and personal style.
What is the Karinding Jaw Harp used for?
The Karinding is traditionally used in Indonesian group performances, where multiple players create a hypnotic chorus of rhythmic sounds. Today, it’s also popular in sound design, music production, and even gaming sound effects thanks to its buzzing, otherworldly tone. Its versatility and distinctive sound make it an excellent choice for both traditional and experimental musicians.
