Trompa Galega Tradicional

In Galicia in Northwest Spain there is a tradition of playing the Jew's Harp (Trompa Galega), too. But as like in other European countries this tradition has almost died out. But due to some enthusiastic musical instrument craftsmen and folklore musician we are able to present these excellent treasures of Galician craftmenship. The Trompa Galega Jew's Harps are hand-forged in a small workshop near Santiago de Compostela.

We decided for a model which is made in the traditional Galician shape but which is made of stainless steel. This does not bring any disadvantages when it comes to sound quality, but it makes the Jew's Harp lasting longer and more resistant to humidity. Unfortunately it makes it a little bit more expensive. All of our Trompa Galega Jew's Harps are tuned.

One characteristic of the Trompa Galega is its wedged reed. That means that the reed is not forged in like in most other Jew's Harps, but it is being held in the frame by a wedge. This technique is also used in many Scandinavian Jew's Harps and it has several advantages: On one hand it is easily possible to change a broken reed and on the other hand you can fine tune the instrument to your playing style.
The reed itself is medium taut and the arms of these Jew's Harps are quite thin and sharp-edged. But you'll get along with that quickly. The volume is above average and the sound is rather sharp and rich in harmonics. It is possible to play the Trompa Galega Jew's Harp in both directions (perhaps it needs some reed adjustment before).

The Trompa Galega comes in a beautiful wooden box.

Length: between 7.5 and 8.5 cm (3-3.3")