[Harp-L] Re: Ancestor of the harmonica

[Steve Baker <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

There's a wonderful Vietnamese reed instrument called the Dan Moi  
which is related both to jaw harp and harmonica. As Joe L. describes,  
the pointed reed is cut out of the reed plate and left attached at  
one end. Behind this end an extension of the "reed" projects out so  
that it can be plucked as with the jaw harp. You enclose the brass  
plate with your lips and create the appropriate air column in your  
throat. It sounds great and is like a superior jaw harp to play  
except that the edges of the reed are rather sharp. I was fascinated  
by the elegant design and it's one of the most simple and efficient  
reeds imaginable. In Vietnam they also make similar instruments out  
of bamboo. Just look for Dan Moi in Wikipedia,

Steve Baker
www.stevebaker.de
www.bluesculture.com