Jaw Harp Dan Moi Perfect Fifth Set
Price:
€28.02
Set de quintes Dan Moi
This set contains two brass jaw harps, each tuned to produce a natural fifth interval when played together or in sequence. The Dan Moi is a lip-vibrated idiophone from Vietnam, where it has been played in highland communities for centuries. The instrument uses your breath and mouth cavity as a resonator, allowing a simple metal frame and flexible tongue to generate rich, sustained tones.
Construction and Sound
Both harps are made from brass, a material that contributes to their tonal character. Each instrument functions as a complete sound-producing unit: you hold the frame against your teeth or lips, pluck or strike the vibrating tongue, and shape the oral cavity to modify pitch and timbre. The tuning of this particular set ensures that the two harps produce intervals of a perfect fifth, making them compatible for harmonic layering or sequential melodic playing.
The resonance chamber formed by your mouth allows even a small metal frame to project surprisingly full sound. Breath control and subtle shifts in mouth shape alter the fundamental pitch and overtone content, giving a single player access to a range of tonal colors from a straightforward design.
Playing and Musical Use
The Dan Moi accommodates both solo melodic exploration and harmonic interplay. A single player can alternate between the two harps, creating rhythmic or melodic sequences, or switch between them to layer complementary pitches. The fifth-interval tuning supports both traditional playing methods rooted in highland oral music and contemporary sound design applications where layered, resonant textures are desired.
What's Included
The set comprises two tuned Dan Moi jaw harps and a natural fabric bag for storage and transport.
Getting Started
Beginners should expect a short learning curve to establish stable lip placement and breath control. The instrument responds immediately to changes in mouth shape and air pressure, making it rewarding for players willing to experiment with resonance and overtone manipulation. No special maintenance is required beyond keeping the brass clean and dry.
The Dan Moi remains a living tradition in Vietnamese highland communities, where it continues to serve both ceremonial and everyday musical contexts.
Price:
€28.02
Set de quintes Dan Moi — A pair of hand-tuned Vietnamese lip harps in brass, each producing a natural fifth interval when played together or in sequence. Traditionally played in Vietnam's highland communities for centuries, the Dan Moi uses your breath and mouth cavity as a resonator to create surprisingly rich, buzzing tones from a simple metal frame and tongue. This set arrives in a natural cloth pouch and suits both solo melodic exploration and harmonic layering with other instruments. Ideal for discovering the ancient voice of Southeast Asian oral tradition or adding textural depth to contemporary soundscapes.
This instrument is crafted entirely by hand, making each one truly singular. Photos are provided for reference; the item delivered may present slight differences in form, colour or detail.
Tonality
A♯1 to F2
| Origin | Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Materials | Brass |
| Jaw Harp Type | Lip-activated jaw harp |
Caution: Not suitable for children under 3 years. Please supervise older children. Beware of swallowing small parts, strangulation, material allergies, sharp edges and points! Use only for sound generation. No liability for improper use.
Care: Extreme temperature fluctuations, humidity and direct sunlight can affect the lifespan. Please store in balanced humidity to prevent material changes, mold and corrosion. Remove dirt with a damp cloth. Dry after cleaning and each use.
Disposal: Please contact your local waste disposal authority for information on environmentally sound disposal!
Set de quintes Dan Moi
This set contains two brass jaw harps, each tuned to produce a natural fifth interval when played together or in sequence. The Dan Moi is a lip-vibrated idiophone from Vietnam, where it has been played in highland communities for centuries. The instrument uses your breath and mouth cavity as a resonator, allowing a simple metal frame and flexible tongue to generate rich, sustained tones.
Construction and Sound
Both harps are made from brass, a material that contributes to their tonal character. Each instrument functions as a complete sound-producing unit: you hold the frame against your teeth or lips, pluck or strike the vibrating tongue, and shape the oral cavity to modify pitch and timbre. The tuning of this particular set ensures that the two harps produce intervals of a perfect fifth, making them compatible for harmonic layering or sequential melodic playing.
The resonance chamber formed by your mouth allows even a small metal frame to project surprisingly full sound. Breath control and subtle shifts in mouth shape alter the fundamental pitch and overtone content, giving a single player access to a range of tonal colors from a straightforward design.
Playing and Musical Use
The Dan Moi accommodates both solo melodic exploration and harmonic interplay. A single player can alternate between the two harps, creating rhythmic or melodic sequences, or switch between them to layer complementary pitches. The fifth-interval tuning supports both traditional playing methods rooted in highland oral music and contemporary sound design applications where layered, resonant textures are desired.
What's Included
The set comprises two tuned Dan Moi jaw harps and a natural fabric bag for storage and transport.
Getting Started
Beginners should expect a short learning curve to establish stable lip placement and breath control. The instrument responds immediately to changes in mouth shape and air pressure, making it rewarding for players willing to experiment with resonance and overtone manipulation. No special maintenance is required beyond keeping the brass clean and dry.
The Dan Moi remains a living tradition in Vietnamese highland communities, where it continues to serve both ceremonial and everyday musical contexts.