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ENPL

Musical Saw

Bow a carpenter's saw to create haunting, wolf-like tones

creativephysicalcrafty$ low15 mindifficulty 2/5

A musical saw is an ordinary handsaw played with a violin bow or striker, producing surprisingly melodic and haunting tones. The player bends the saw to change pitch while bowing or striking the blade. It creates sounds ranging from ethereal whispers to mournful howls. Popular in folk traditions and circus acts, it's experiencing a revival among experimental and folk musicians. The instrument combines the familiar (a tool) with the unexpected (music), making it both accessible and intriguingly unconventional.

How to start

  1. 1
    Obtain a handsaw specifically designed for musical play or a standard handsaw in good condition
  2. 2
    Learn the proper grip and hand positioning for bending the saw
  3. 3
    Start with basic bowing or striking techniques using a violin bow or soft mallet
  4. 4
    Practice changing pitch by adjusting the bend intensity
  5. 5
    Listen to folk and experimental musicians who play musical saw

What you'll need

  • Musical saw or quality handsaw
    Essential
    ~$30
  • Violin bow
    Essential
    ~$50
  • Soft mallets/strikers
    Nice to have
    ~$25
  • Amplifier (optional for volume)
    Nice to have
    ~$100

Where to learn more

Plot twists

Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.

  • Learn saw parts from traditional folk songs
  • Combine with looping pedals for ambient music
  • Create saw-focused performances at open mics
  • Record saw sounds for film foley work
ADHD notes

The tactile feedback of bending the saw and immediate auditory response keeps engagement high. Unpredictable pitch changes add novelty to each session.

Fun fact

The musical saw was particularly popular in early 20th-century vaudeville and continues to be used in bluegrass, folk, and experimental music today.

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