Gemshorn making tips
-
mandolinistry
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Mon Jun 29, 2020 2:32 pm
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 8
- Tell us something.: I want to learn to make gemshorn. I hope I can find answers here because information on it is scant.
Gemshorn making tips
Does anyone here have experience making gemshorns? I am trying to learn how and I have some questions about plug size, and how large the labium opening should be.
-
Kypfer
- Posts: 500
- Joined: Fri Oct 29, 2010 4:27 pm
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 12
Re: Gemshorn making tips
I started ... and failed miserably 
However, one concept I did learn, practice with a suitable diameter piece of plastic pipe. This gives opportunity to experiment with labium sizes and angles without risking what might have been an expensive horn.
As I'm sure you're aware, a gemshorn is basically an early ocarina, so the final pitch of the instrument is relative to the internal volume of the horn. Best start a bit too large and bring it up to pitch by filling it a bit with beeswax or similar.
Good luck
However, one concept I did learn, practice with a suitable diameter piece of plastic pipe. This gives opportunity to experiment with labium sizes and angles without risking what might have been an expensive horn.
As I'm sure you're aware, a gemshorn is basically an early ocarina, so the final pitch of the instrument is relative to the internal volume of the horn. Best start a bit too large and bring it up to pitch by filling it a bit with beeswax or similar.
Good luck
"I'm playing all the right notes—but not necessarily in the right order."
-
Goran
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:12 am
- antispam: No
- Please enter the next number in sequence: 12
Gemshorn, cowhorn -- for sale
Gemshorn for sale, made from cowhorn. Tonic note is E and scale is pretty accurately an E major (according to my electronic tuner); a bit longer than 13". Wooden plug fitted, with channel to create fipple. Quiet, breathy sound. I am the original owner (not maker) and haven't played it for over 30 years, so it's time for it to find a new home. Ask for details and a photo or (if I can manage the I-fone thing) a short video. Send private E-mail to gajdas_cp@verizon.net. Instrument located in Maryland, USA