The painted bamboo mouth jaw harp is a traditional Indonesian musical instrument that is popular in folk music, handmade from a single piece of bamboo. Crafted by the indigenous communities of Polynesia within the expanse of Oceania's island clusters dotting the Pacific Ocean.
Playing this unique instrument demands a delicate balance, as it is positioned between the upper and lower jaws, requiring consistent adjustments in positioning, breath, and volume to modulate its tone. The mouth harp is made from natural bamboo and has a stunning dot-painted design.
Features
- Handmade from natural bamboo
- Eco-friendly sustainable product
- Stunning dot-painted designs
- Produces buzz sound effect
Weight & Dimensions
Size: 23cm x 2cm
Weight: 50g
Specifications
Product Type: Mouth Jaw Harp
Colour: Multicoloured
Pattern: Dot-Painted Design
Material: Bamboo
Number of Units Included: 1
Shape: Rectangle
Theme: Indonesian culture
Display Type: None
Product Care: Handle with care, avoid exposure to excessive moisture
Safety Warning: This product may contain small parts that pose a choking hazard, may have sharp edges, or may be heavy and fragile. It is not intended for use by children without adult supervision. Use with care to avoid injury. Handle and maintain the product responsibly to ensure safety. Buyers are responsible for ensuring safe use and care of the product. This is a general guide and it is not a substitute for proper supervision.
Country of Origin: Indonesia
Technical Details
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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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What’s included
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Karinding Jaw Harp
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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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Recommended Age
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13 years +
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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.
