Posted 10 years ago
Mercer50
(51 items)
Juice Harp
This is also one of the many items which were in a keepsake box, which had belonged to my late father or his Uncle...my Great Uncle.
My dad used to play this, he tried to teach me but I just couldn't get the hang of it.
Nice family item!
I have never seen it referred to with that term-- is it regional/ common in your area?
I typically see jew's, jaw or simply mouth harp.
scott
Those Things will pinch your Tongue if you are not careful !! OUCH !!!! Great Post Mercer !!
I have one my great grandmother owned and carried in her pocket book. She always called it a Jew's Harp. When I asked why she called it that she said because Jews were to cheap to buy a real harp. No offense intended, just folk lore.
Commonly known as Juice Harp in Missouri also
http://www.jewsharpguild.org/history.html
Pronunciations are often misinterpreted. Probably most of the family names we are stuck with now were because census takers usually wrote the names phonetically on their forms. Obviously mid-western people have bad hearing. LOL Actually, I've heard all 3 versions, but remember that I'm originally from Al-uh-bam-uh! LOL!
I've seen all four versions referred to on the net. I guess at this point, we can take our pick. Just wish I could play it.
Easy to play. Just lightly grip the 2 outer prongs between your upper & lower front teeth, strum the centre prong while controlling the sound with the shape of your mouth & cheeks. Try it & I guarantee a fast divorce! LOL! Also great for getting rid of those "friends" you don't care for anymore.
Eye4, I could have taught you for only $275 with one of my coupons! Of course there are the traveling expenses not mentioned! LOL
I forgot all about June! She was a great student but she called it an organ. Think about it.
I'll exit, stage right! LOL! They were also called "mouth organs" eye4!
Eye4, you have a dirty mind. LOL
I have a set of 4 of them different sizes I use to play them in a schiphol group when I work on the QUEEN MARY, i even played it in the crows nest and in the mast great sound effects.
Appreciate all input.
I only have the one and I have fond memories of my dad playing it.
it was 60 years ago when I played it last on the QUEEN MARY but I visited her this year and they let me play it again in the mast.
I had a lot of things of my father's glass slid cameras banjos and lot more but when I left home at 15 years old my stepfarther gave them all away to his relations.
I've got a lot of my Mom's, Dad's, Great Uncle's and a little of one Grandmother's stuff. The problem is, what's going to happen to it when I'm gone. I have two son's in their 30's but neither of them have much interest. Then there is my stuff. You just have to wonder what's it all for?
Gotta remember, the best thing we've got is the good memories.
I'm in the same boat & why I and downloading stuff to people who will appreciate them.