An instrument with a thousand names
 

Going back to the 4th century BC, you could already see this instrument depicted in a chinese drawing.
With a diffrent name in each of countless countries: Scacciapensieri, marranzanu, malarruni, gewgwan, trump, guimbarde, jew’s harp, jaws harp, temir komuz, berimbau (de boca) and so on, you can hear his monotics sounds in Anerican westerns as also indescribable compositions by Asian performers.
This example, some old (19th century?), could be Brazilian in its shape, still with atypical pointy arms ... but i am just guessing.


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Also known as a 'front tooth chipper' . :mad:
I speak from childhood experience . :(

So that's when your troubles started ... teeth troubles, i mean ;) .

I collect and play these myself. I usually only bother picking up the antique ones, though there are a good number of excellent sounding examples still made today. There is a trick to not chipping your teeth Rick. I can play them fairly well. ;)
Check out the Dan Moi website for probably the largest varied selection of examples of these instruments from all over the world. Most cultures have some form of this instrument and it is very old.

I also have a pair of modern ones; i suppose a bass and an accute one respectively. Not that i can play (handle) them myself in the correct manner, but because i saw someone playing them and i enjoyed listening.
But i brought this one here because of its age and ethno origin.

I wish we were hanging out together when I was 10, David . :( ;)
I did get pretty good with the Humanatone though . :D

These instruments (tooth chippers) are often associated in the US with 'Hillbilly' or 'Western' movie stereotypes .
Why do we suppose the arms on this one are tapered ?

Any input Maestro D. ? ;)