The Jaw Harp Dan Moi Standard is finely handcrafted and impresses with its easy playability, a brilliant sound rich in overtones and the price. The jaw harp is hidden in a round cover made of bamboo, which is wrapped in colourful fabrics. It is also available in different tunings.
You can play the Dan Moi slowly-meditatively, but also fast-dynamically. Its sound is reminiscent of electronic music or the sound of analogue synthesizers, and all without technology. Whether it's stirring improvisations, touching melodies or relaxing sounds, there are no limitations to your creativity! And the little Dan Moi makes it possible.
Our absolute favourite instrument!
By the way: The ncas ("ncha" pronounced), as the H'mong call their jaw harp, is traditionally made of brass in the north of Vietnam. Among the H'mong, both men and women pluck the small instrument, which is used for festivities, relaxation and courtship. With the melodies of the ncas, entire stories can be told and emotions can be set to music particularly well. Lovers make first contact using the dan moi, reveal their feelings, introduce themselves and their families, "speak" of their longings and tease each other in long musical dialogues. Fascinating what a large sound spectrum such a little instrument has!
How to un/pack a Dan Moi Jaw Harp
What to do if it clatters...
Get more background information in our blog
Over the years, several thousand people have taken part in workshops and presentations with overtone specialist Tran Quang Hai. Tran Quang Hai has been committed to popularising the techniques of overtone singing , Jew's harp and spoon playing throughout the world for over 45 years. The 70-year-old ethnomusicologist from Paris is best known as a teacher and musician. Tran Quang Hai was born in South Vietnam and studied at the conservatory in Ho Chi Minh City before moving to Paris in 1961 to study musicology.
The Dan Moi jew's harps from Vietnam are characterized by being skillfully handmade in filigree craftsmanship. The split between reed and frame which is significantly responsible for a jaw harps sound quality, is razor-thin. And so - even though we are testing each and every instrument before shipping - it happens once in a while that a Dan Moi jew's harp clatters.
