I got a Snoopy jaw harp and kept it for less than 2 hours before I knew I needed to order something much better so I ordered a Glazyrin Lighthouse and actually picked it up REALLY fast(I got it on Friday and already am starting to sound like a pro thanks to some of the awesome tutorials by yourself and a couple others here) and I think it's not a bad harp for beginners considering how fast I was getting really good tones.
That's awesome!! I really love playing my didge. Good luck on your journey! I'm sure you've already found bebbcorp harpery's YT channel but he has soooo many great reviews. Highly recommended.
Love your vids. I got this same one you recommended. Thanks so much for help learning. I'm struggling with my holding fingers getting impressions and hurting. Trying to not hold to tight. I've even switched hands to try and it sorta helped. Any other tips on holding? Thanks.
For the pavel potkin, I've found two ways to hold the harp-- the bottom of the harp is pinched between the thumb and middle finger with the index finger stabilizing the harp on the top of the harp. It is possible to cradle it in your left hand as well holding it in between your index knuckle and the crook of your thumb joint. It definitely shouldn't be leaving impressions, the amount of pressure necessary should be only to prevent the harp from rattling against your teeth. Thanks for your comment--hope that helps and good luck to you! :)
Yeah I'm scanning YT (don't really trust websites' advice that also sell them, lol) for a harp as a new player. Ideally want to find one that can grow with me that can also produce a good range. For me personally I'm not a big fan of the high saturation sound like the one in this video (between a little & just a bit more I do enjoy though) but I really like the melodic ones. From what I've gathered they require more technical breathing techniques. I have a musical background & was a trained vocalist so the breath control I think I'll be able to catch onto w/ plenty of practice. Just don't want to end up w/ a highly technically harp off the bat but instead one I can enjoyably play as a beginner & as I get better I won't immediately out grow it. Does a harp like this even exist & do you have any recommendations?
So cool! I love your goals! I hope you find something you're satisfied with. From what I know and have seen the Morsing type of harps are adept at melodic playing--they can be a bit more difficult to play like you're saying but I don't think that it would be impossible for a beginner. If you're looking for melodic playing and you're wanting to learn on it I would try and find one with a smaller reed. The stiffer, thicker reeds are more difficult to play. It's difficult to give exact dimensions since everyone's breath support is a bit different. Here's a video of some super advanced Morsing play: ua-cam.com/video/VKPRgcqwGcA/v-deo.html I think it's a good example of its sound and its flexibility. These harps are cool because the harp playing initiated by strong breath without plucking the instrument--that's how flexible some Morsing/morchang reeds are. That being said, what I was surprised about when I started playing was how I instantly needed another jaw harp. I craved that low bass feel and so I almost immediately purchased the Glazyrin Lighthouse (a beautiful bass harp). So, don't be surprised if you start with one harp and decide you need a jaw harp collection. 😉 Here is a video of someone playing a Pavel Potkin melodically, I think it demonstrates the melodic range of the instrument much better than I can: ua-cam.com/video/I6-9emyFWbg/v-deo.html That helped show me what was possible for the Potkin. Also, I wouldn't worry too much about Bebbcorp. I've never seen someone with so much passion about jaw harps in general. I've had a personal phone call with James and he was super genuine (even sent a handwritten note with the harp I bought based off our phone call). Anyway, I hope that helps! In short I think that if you like the sound enough I think a beginner can push through the beginning learning stages. Good luck on your quest!
@@SoundAdventurer thx man, that gives me some real good insights. The level of vibration of the reed makes alot of sense, probably will have to go through a few before I find that goldilocks zone for my tastes. I'll definitely checkout those vids, particularly the Morsing. I did see someone play the Lighthouse & can see why you wanted to get it as a beginner w/ that low droning feel, it's hypnotic. So that was the 1st one you got & had some trouble w/ as a beginner? The Wave model drew my attention but w/ it being of the same general design just tuned higher (by shorter reed I'm guessing) I might forgo it for now. When I 1st started looking I saw someone playing 1 of Pavel Potkin's pieces & I really liked the sound produced. Actually I already have written down 2 of his models as candidates, fairly inexpensive but w/ a sound I enjoy, 1 a slightly bassier version of the other. No one plays them in my area, music stores don't carry them & I've only heard 1 played in person decades ago when I was a little kid visiting my grandparents down south. The uniqueness of the sound stuck w/ me so w/ this pandemic mess I've decided to put some creative energy to good use. Thx again for the advice & take care.
@@Dang3rMouSe I'm totally with you. I can't believe such an amazing instrument is totally unknown to most people! I live in the U.S. and it's a super obscure instrument, which is a shame since it has such a beautiful sound. My first harp was a Grover harp, but moving to the Potkin I could instantly feel the difference. I think what is most important for a beginner is responsiveness. You want something you don't need a lot of jaw strength (playing the Glazyrin Lighthouse for more than 10 minutes you'll feel some exhaustion in your jaw). I say that because you will be practicing a lot of technique and so a shorter thinner reed will be easier to practice for longer periods of time. So, even with a bass harp a beginner can play within a few minutes, but you won't be able to play very long. So, not the end of the world, just not as smooth a start for a beginner. Also, with a responsive harp you won't be tempted to whack the striker as hard, and as a beginner you're at the highest risk for whacking yourself in the teeth.
Hi, im really struggling about buying a new Jaw Harp we have no Shops in my town and i need to order one online. I found one in F#. But seems weird to me. And the hertz is up to 100. So how can i imagine the Jaw Harp Sounds like?
These are out of stock on the page that you liked. Which model of the P. Potkin is this? I looked on Amazon and there are several. Do you know where else I can find one?
This is where I got mine: www.theharpery.com/vargan?category=Pavel%20Potkin%20Vargan I just got the standard size--however, it looks like he's out of stock, right now.
@@SoundAdventurer you considered seeing a (cranial) chiropractor? Could be helpful if you experienced a traumatic birth. Upper neck could be misaligned. 🙏🙌
I got a Snoopy jaw harp and kept it for less than 2 hours before I knew I needed to order something much better so I ordered a Glazyrin Lighthouse and actually picked it up REALLY fast(I got it on Friday and already am starting to sound like a pro thanks to some of the awesome tutorials by yourself and a couple others here) and I think it's not a bad harp for beginners considering how fast I was getting really good tones.
agreed, snoopy harp is a sham and worthless.
@@algregory1443 doh! I just bought one hahaha
Can totally hear the difference!
Thanks a lot for the recommendation. It was so useful so I got an Altay jaw harp made by P. Potkin. Nice model
Thanks! That was helpful!
Very informative thank you :)
I see your didgeridoo on the wall there haha I bought my first one for $30 at my local music shop and I love it. Now I'm researching jaw harps
That's awesome!! I really love playing my didge. Good luck on your journey! I'm sure you've already found bebbcorp harpery's YT channel but he has soooo many great reviews. Highly recommended.
Your neighbours must love you XD
i went ahead and ordered one anyway!! :D i may wind up with three right off the bat. thanks so much for the recommendation.
Haha!! I love it... Jaw Harps do have a peculiar habit of... accumulating.
Love your vids. I got this same one you recommended. Thanks so much for help learning. I'm struggling with my holding fingers getting impressions and hurting. Trying to not hold to tight. I've even switched hands to try and it sorta helped. Any other tips on holding? Thanks.
For the pavel potkin, I've found two ways to hold the harp-- the bottom of the harp is pinched between the thumb and middle finger with the index finger stabilizing the harp on the top of the harp.
It is possible to cradle it in your left hand as well holding it in between your index knuckle and the crook of your thumb joint.
It definitely shouldn't be leaving impressions, the amount of pressure necessary should be only to prevent the harp from rattling against your teeth.
Thanks for your comment--hope that helps and good luck to you! :)
Yeah I'm scanning YT (don't really trust websites' advice that also sell them, lol) for a harp as a new player. Ideally want to find one that can grow with me that can also produce a good range. For me personally I'm not a big fan of the high saturation sound like the one in this video (between a little & just a bit more I do enjoy though) but I really like the melodic ones. From what I've gathered they require more technical breathing techniques.
I have a musical background & was a trained vocalist so the breath control I think I'll be able to catch onto w/ plenty of practice. Just don't want to end up w/ a highly technically harp off the bat but instead one I can enjoyably play as a beginner & as I get better I won't immediately out grow it.
Does a harp like this even exist & do you have any recommendations?
So cool! I love your goals! I hope you find something you're satisfied with.
From what I know and have seen the Morsing type of harps are adept at melodic playing--they can be a bit more difficult to play like you're saying but I don't think that it would be impossible for a beginner. If you're looking for melodic playing and you're wanting to learn on it I would try and find one with a smaller reed. The stiffer, thicker reeds are more difficult to play. It's difficult to give exact dimensions since everyone's breath support is a bit different.
Here's a video of some super advanced Morsing play: ua-cam.com/video/VKPRgcqwGcA/v-deo.html
I think it's a good example of its sound and its flexibility. These harps are cool because the harp playing initiated by strong breath without plucking the instrument--that's how flexible some Morsing/morchang reeds are.
That being said, what I was surprised about when I started playing was how I instantly needed another jaw harp. I craved that low bass feel and so I almost immediately purchased the Glazyrin Lighthouse (a beautiful bass harp). So, don't be surprised if you start with one harp and decide you need a jaw harp collection. 😉
Here is a video of someone playing a Pavel Potkin melodically, I think it demonstrates the melodic range of the instrument much better than I can: ua-cam.com/video/I6-9emyFWbg/v-deo.html
That helped show me what was possible for the Potkin.
Also, I wouldn't worry too much about Bebbcorp. I've never seen someone with so much passion about jaw harps in general. I've had a personal phone call with James and he was super genuine (even sent a handwritten note with the harp I bought based off our phone call).
Anyway, I hope that helps! In short I think that if you like the sound enough I think a beginner can push through the beginning learning stages. Good luck on your quest!
@@SoundAdventurer thx man, that gives me some real good insights. The level of vibration of the reed makes alot of sense, probably will have to go through a few before I find that goldilocks zone for my tastes. I'll definitely checkout those vids, particularly the Morsing. I did see someone play the Lighthouse & can see why you wanted to get it as a beginner w/ that low droning feel, it's hypnotic. So that was the 1st one you got & had some trouble w/ as a beginner? The Wave model drew my attention but w/ it being of the same general design just tuned higher (by shorter reed I'm guessing) I might forgo it for now. When I 1st started looking I saw someone playing 1 of Pavel Potkin's pieces & I really liked the sound produced. Actually I already have written down 2 of his models as candidates, fairly inexpensive but w/ a sound I enjoy, 1 a slightly bassier version of the other.
No one plays them in my area, music stores don't carry them & I've only heard 1 played in person decades ago when I was a little kid visiting my grandparents down south. The uniqueness of the sound stuck w/ me so w/ this pandemic mess I've decided to put some creative energy to good use. Thx again for the advice & take care.
@@Dang3rMouSe I'm totally with you. I can't believe such an amazing instrument is totally unknown to most people! I live in the U.S. and it's a super obscure instrument, which is a shame since it has such a beautiful sound.
My first harp was a Grover harp, but moving to the Potkin I could instantly feel the difference. I think what is most important for a beginner is responsiveness. You want something you don't need a lot of jaw strength (playing the Glazyrin Lighthouse for more than 10 minutes you'll feel some exhaustion in your jaw). I say that because you will be practicing a lot of technique and so a shorter thinner reed will be easier to practice for longer periods of time.
So, even with a bass harp a beginner can play within a few minutes, but you won't be able to play very long. So, not the end of the world, just not as smooth a start for a beginner.
Also, with a responsive harp you won't be tempted to whack the striker as hard, and as a beginner you're at the highest risk for whacking yourself in the teeth.
got one of them, have got a sound out of it, just, but getting a better one soon :)
Hi, im really struggling about buying a new Jaw Harp we have no Shops in my town and i need to order one online. I found one in F#. But seems weird to me. And the hertz is up to 100. So how can i imagine the Jaw Harp Sounds like?
Merci
thanks, i have the bad one and literally all of those issues are true. dang
These are out of stock on the page that you liked. Which model of the P. Potkin is this? I looked on Amazon and there are several. Do you know where else I can find one?
This is where I got mine: www.theharpery.com/vargan?category=Pavel%20Potkin%20Vargan
I just got the standard size--however, it looks like he's out of stock, right now.
Thankyou
Thanks
I got mine at Cracker Barrel and may be my problem.
😂😂😂😂
Gotta ask: What's the deal with the differences in the sides of your face?
facial nerve paralysis. something I was born with. some people have 6 fingers, I have a stuck eyebrow
@@SoundAdventurer you considered seeing a (cranial) chiropractor? Could be helpful if you experienced a traumatic birth. Upper neck could be misaligned. 🙏🙌
Douche bag
i think it can harm ceramic teeth crowns/bridges. I bought one then realized it, so, its sitting here for nothing...