Vintage 1970s American Folk Harp Jaw Harp – Made in USA Mouth Harp
• Type: Jaw harp / mouth harp / plucked idiophone. The center reed and looped trigger are present and are complete. The reed vibrates and the harp produces sound when gently plucked. Plucking the flexible center reed produces its unmistakable “boing,” while changing the shape of the mouth, tongue, and cheeks alters the tone and overtones.
This wonderfully quirky American Folk Harp is a vintage metal jaw harp—also known as a mouth harp—complete with its fabulous red, white, and blue original box and illustrated instruction sheet.
Made in the U.S.A., this compact one-note rhythm instrument uses the player’s mouth as a resonating chamber. Plucking the flexible center reed produces its unmistakable “boing,” while changing the shape of the mouth, tongue, and cheeks alters the tone and overtones.
Research suggests that instruments sold under the American Folk Harp name were produced beginning around 1969 by Oregon jaw-harp maker and promoter Tom Bilyeu and his associates. Based on the packaging and manufacturing history, this example is believed to date from approximately the 1970s. The instrument itself is marked “MADE IN U.S.A.” but does not bear a maker’s name, so the Bilyeu attribution is not guaranteed.
A particularly fun find for:
• Folk and bluegrass musicians
• Collectors of unusual musical instruments
• Americana and patriotic-display collectors
• Music teachers and prop stylists
• Anyone who appreciates a good old-fashioned “boing!”
DETAILS
• Product name: American Folk Harp
• Type: Jaw harp / mouth harp / plucked idiophone
• Approximate era: Circa 1970s
• Country of manufacture: United States
• Marking: “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamped into the metal frame
• Materials: Cold-rolled steel frame with spring-steel reed, according to the accompanying instructions
• Approximate length: 3 1/2 inches
• Includes: Metal harp, original patriotic cardboard box, and illustrated instruction/care sheet
• Produces one fundamental tone whose timbre and overtones are shaped by the player’s mouth
• No musical key is marked
CONDITION
Authentic vintage condition with plenty of character.
The metal has visible surface oxidation, tarnish, discoloration, scratches, and finish wear. The center reed and looped trigger are present and are complete. The reed vibrates and the harp produces sound when gently plucked. The cardboard box shows age toning, spotting, edge wear, bent or compressed end flaps, old tape residue, and general storage wear.
The original folded instruction sheet has creases, age toning, scattered stains or oxidation marks, and handling wear. Printing and illustrations remain readable.