October 8, 2024
Description
The Vietnamese jaw harp is known for its unique sound and shape, this 3D design is the result of dozens of iterations to achieve the most easy-to-play, loud, and tuned Vietnamese jaw harp possible to me.
The tuning of the printed harp depends on multiple factors and it might need some post processing to get it right on spot. I've concluded that besides the harp shape, also the material, infill percentage and the layer height used to print will deeply influence the tuning.
After printing the tuning should be close to a C. In case you want to lower it, use a sharp and thin knife and carefully remove some material in both sides of the reed (tongue) base, to increase it's length:
To increase the tuning, carefully remove some material on the edge of the reed:
Make sure to print with dry filament, otherwise stringing will occur and it will be harder to clean the print. There shouldn't be any kind of debris between the harp reed and the frame.
Given the material properties, unfortunately this harp has it's week spots and the frame will eventually break near the reed base after constantly playing for a while. I haven't tested materials other than some different PLA brands, but eventually the life of the instrument might be prolonged by using a more adequate material with similar rigidity that better withstands constant flexing.
I'm working on a more robust mouth harp that will last for a really long time, a version of the Gogona that is also louder and has more sustain than this one, will upload it soon.
Happy printing and playing!
License:
Creative Commons — Attribution
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