learn to play the musical saw

I think you’ll get the most kicks out of this if you are already a musician. I’m not. I can make sounds with it, but I can’t make a song…

Seriously, my recent ex-roommate has had it from his grandfather for a long time, and when I saw it I went gaga and now I’m supposed to be learning it. But it isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. I MUST post a reminder and make sure I do this, as it is for a limited time only, and I’ve had this goal for so long!

I brought the bow and rosin in my luggage. Soon is the time.

I have my lovely Mussehl and Westphal musical saw that I sent away to America for – complete with bow and a cassette tape of instructions, old school!

Enamoured as I am with strange sounding/novelty/rare instruments, I am determined to learn to play this in order to incorporate it into the music I play in the indie pop band Their Hearts Were Full of Spring. Marlene Dietrich, here I come!

I found an old saw in my dad’s garage a few weeks ago, bought some rosin, and my friend snagged a bow from the band room at school for me.
I’ve made sounds as well, but it’s not music yet.
I blame it on the bow being a total junker, but that’s what I get for being cheap.

There’s nothing quite so haunting… Okay, maybe a theramin. But that’s it.

I love my saw, it’s both functional and musical.

hearts

Yesterday I bought a bow and some rosin. I took one of my saws (a lovely holiday gift to add to my tool supply) and went at it. I have gotten a noise from it, but it’s no where near music. I am getting an older, thinner, longer saw from my fiances parents this weekend.

Colour me excited.

Bought a saw and mallet last week. I can almost play “twinkle twinkle little star”!

I can’t use my bow without the sound being very soft though, anyone know what I’m doing wrong?

Dad sent me money, so I went off and got myself a cello bow. I now have to find a 26” cross-cut steel saw with a fine, flexible blade – this is going to take some effort, scouring the stores. When I next have some dough I will do this, get myself really started.

I’m pleased to have come this far, though!

I feel comfortable enough to play it anywhere. I was playing it in the cafeteria of my school and somebody threw a quarter at me. I knew they were making fun of me, but I had a giant, sharp instrument in my hands.

It’s a fun thing to have.