| Dan MoiMouth harps of different shapes and varieties have a long tradition in many cultures, they are known as Jaw Harp, J-Harp, Jew's Harp, Dan Moi, Hmong, Guimbarde, Kouxian and Kou Xian to name a few!
In Vietnam, the sweet brass reed mouth harp is called a Dan Moi and it is also known by its Hmong name of Ncaas. This is a very easy to play mouth instrument which is played by gently resting the instrument on your lips (Unlike the Jaw or Jew's harp, which is played against the teeth!) The Dan Moi is extremely responsive and capable of subtle, ethereal sounds, as well as being surprisingly loud for such a small and delicate instrument. In China, the instrument is known generically as Kou Xiang, Kouqin, Kouhuang and Kouxian (meaning 'mouth harp', or 'mouth reed.') The Kou Xiang mouth harp instrument is not played on the lips or teeth, but in front of your open mouth. By adjusting the shape of your mouth whilst plucking the blades, a rich melody of subtle sounds can be generated. |
