The mouth bow is a simple yet expressive traditional instrument—a flexible wooden stick with a single string that players hold near their mouth to use as a resonator. By altering mouth shape and tongue position, they create vocal-like overtones, producing melodic and rhythmic sounds often used in folk music, storytelling, and spiritual practices. Played by indigenous communities, folk musicians, and experimental artists, it’s famous in regions like South Africa (notably among the Xhosa), Brazil (as the berimbau), North America, and parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Its unique sound and cultural significance make it a cherished instrument worldwide.
History of Mouth Bow
The mouth bow is one of the oldest and most widespread musical instruments, emerging independently across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania thousands of years ago. Its origins trace back to prehistoric times when early humans crafted simple tools to create sound. Rather than being invented by a single person or culture, it evolved parallelly worldwide. In Africa, it remains central to traditions like those of the Xhosa people; in the Americas, it’s found in Native American music; and in Brazil, a related version called the berimbau plays a key role in capoeira. This history highlights human creativity and the universal drive to make music from natural materials.
Types of Mouth Bow
Mouth bows come in several varieties shaped by regional traditions, with the most common being the simple single-string bow, where the player’s mouth acts as a resonator to create haunting tones. The Brazilian berimbau features a gourd resonator and steel string, producing rhythmic sounds central to capoeira. Some African and Native American cultures use multi-string bows for richer harmonics, while others add external resonators like gourds for fuller sound. Lightweight and made from natural materials, mouth bows produce mellow, ethereal tones and require skill in breath and mouth control. Each type reflects its culture’s musical style, serving roles from ritual and storytelling to dance and meditation.
Mouth Bow
Crafted in Vietnam, our Wooden Mouth Bow delivers rich, clear tones with durable steel strings and comes with a mallet for easy play. Available in 70cm and 90cm sizes, its user-friendly design allows quick string replacement using a standard high E guitar string. Lightweight and affordable, this mouth bow is ideal for musicians seeking a reliable, high-quality traditional instrument that’s easy to maintain and perfect for creative sound exploration.
Tips for Choosing the Right Mouth Bow
When choosing a mouth bow, consider your skill level, sound preference, and goals. Beginners should pick durable, easy-to-play models around 60–90cm with replaceable strings, while experienced players may seek specific woods or custom tension for richer tones. Whether traditional or modern with extras like mallets, mouth bows suit folk musicians, sound healers, educators, and anyone exploring unique, expressive, breath-driven music or world instruments.
The Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Mouth Bow
Buying a second-hand mouth bow can be a budget-friendly way to get started, often offering unique vintage character and craftsmanship you might not find in new models. However, used mouth bows may have worn or damaged strings, cracks in the wood, or tuning issues that affect sound quality and playability. You might also miss out on warranties or included accessories like mallets. New mouth bows guarantee clean condition, reliable tuning, and often come with support or replacements. Handmade mouth bows—whether new or used—tend to have superior tone and craftsmanship, but can be pricier and require more care. If you’re a beginner or on a tight budget, a carefully inspected second-hand mouth bow could work well. If you want consistent sound, durability, and peace of mind, buying new or handcrafted is the better choice. Ultimately, pick based on your budget, experience, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.
Unique Mouth Bow Accessories
Enhance your mouth bow experience with versatile accessories like mallets made of wood, rubber, or felt for varied tones, and extra steel or nylon strings for easy repairs. Protect your instrument with padded cases and nourish wooden parts using natural oils like lemon or linseed, avoiding metal areas. Tuning tools ensure precise pitch, while silicone mouth guards add comfort. Amplify your sound with clip-on mics, and accelerate learning through books or video tutorials. Keep your mouth bow clean with microfiber cloths, and use straps or stands to stabilize it for advanced playing—making your musical journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Mouth Bow in Popular Music
The mouth bow is traditionally linked to indigenous and folk music across Africa, the Americas, and parts of Asia, often used in storytelling, ritual, and social gatherings. It features prominently in African traditional music—especially among groups like the Xhosa in South Africa—and in Brazilian music through the berimbau, which is central to capoeira, a martial art and dance form. The instrument’s haunting, resonant tones also appear in Native American music and various indigenous ceremonies worldwide. In modern times, artists like Brazilian musician Naná Vasconcelos popularized the berimbau in jazz and world fusion, while others incorporate mouth bows into experimental and ambient genres for their unique, ethereal sound. Its expressive, vocal-like qualities make it a favorite for meditative, spiritual, and storytelling music that emphasizes connection to culture and nature.
