The angkuoch (Khmer: អង្គួច) is a Cambodian jaw harp (sometimes known as mouth harp or Jew's harp).[1] It is a folk instrument made of bamboo or iron.
The bamboo version is carved into a long, flat shape with a hole in the center and a tongue of bamboo across the hole.[2] The bamboo tongue is not removable, which makes the instrument an idioglot. The metal variety is more round or tree-leaf shaped.[2] It may also have metal bells attached.[2]
The angkuoch is, in a sense, both a wind instrument and percussion instrument.[1][2] As a wind instrument, it is played by placing it against the mouth; percussively, it is played by plucking the reed.[2] These two actions happen simultaneously in playing. The hand holding the instrument holds it with the thumb and forefinger facing each other, holding it firmly. This adds mass to the instrument and makes it louder. The mouth acts as a resonator and as a tool to alter the sound.
Although mainly a folk instrument, some angkuoch (the plural form) are better crafted than is considered common for folk instruments.[2]
- ^ a b Poss, M.D. "Cambodian Bamboo Jew's Harps". mouthmusic.com. Retrieved 27 October 2018.
...these bamboo Jew's harps are easy to hold and may be longer lasting due to being made of thicker material than many other similar instruments. Held against the lips, they are easy to play and offer the same full, percussive sound as the "Kubings."
- ^ a b c d e f Khean, Yun; Dorivan, Keo; Lina, Y; Lenna, Mao. Traditional Musical Instruments of Cambodia (PDF). Kingdom of Cambodia: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. pp. 146–147.