Gemshorn making tips

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mandolinistry
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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

Post by mandolinistry »

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
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Re: Gemshorn making tips

Post by Kypfer »

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 :)
"I'm playing all the right notes—but not necessarily in the right order."
Goran
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Gemshorn, cowhorn -- for sale

Post by Goran »

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
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