Playing the saw with a bow involves a unique technique that transforms a common tool into a resonant, ethereal musical instrument. The fundamental method revolves around creating vibrations by drawing a bow across the saw's edge, similar to playing a cello or violin.
Getting Started: The Essentials
To embark on your musical saw journey, you'll need a few key items:
- Musical Saw: While most hand saws can produce sound, specific musical saws are designed with a tapered blade and a larger handle for better ergonomics and resonance.
- Contrabass or Cello Bow: These bows are preferred due to their larger size and ability to draw a more consistent, sustained tone from the saw.
- Rosin: Applied to the bow's hair, rosin creates friction, which is essential for making the saw vibrate and produce sound.
- Saw Mallet (Optional): Some players use a mallet to tap the saw and initiate vibrations, especially for percussive effects.
The Core Technique: Bowing the Saw
The heart of playing the musical saw lies in the bowing action and proper saw manipulation.
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Holding the Saw:
- Hold the saw's handle firmly between your knees or against your chest.
- Bend the saw blade into an "S" curve. This bend is crucial for creating the tension and areas of vibration needed for sound. The tighter the bend, the higher the potential pitch.
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Applying the Bow:
- With moderate pressure, draw the bow across the edge of the saw. You can either bow up or down, choosing the direction that feels most natural and produces the desired sound.
- Focus on bowing a specific section of the saw blade, often referred to as the "sweet spot." This is the point where the saw vibrates most effectively.
- If you don't get a note, you probably are not on the sweet spot. Try moving the bow a little towards the tip or handle and bowing again. Experimentation is key to finding the ideal bowing position for different notes.
Controlling Pitch and Tone
Unlike string instruments with frets or fingerboards, the pitch on a musical saw is controlled by changing the curvature of the blade.
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Pitch Control: Alternatively, you could just change the tightness of the bend of the saw.
- To raise the pitch, increase the curve or tension in the blade.
- To lower the pitch, relax the curve, making the blade flatter.
- This is typically done by subtly adjusting the pressure applied to the saw's handle or by manipulating the blade with your free hand (the one not holding the bow).
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Vibrato: A characteristic shimmering effect, known as vibrato, is achieved by gently shaking the saw blade while maintaining the bend. This slight movement creates subtle fluctuations in pitch, adding expressiveness to the sound.
Tips for Success
- Rosin Application: Ensure your bow has enough rosin. A well-rosined bow will grip the saw effectively.
- Light Touch: While "moderate pressure" is required for bowing, avoid pressing too hard, which can choke the sound.
- Practice Consistency: Developing a consistent bowing arm and the ability to smoothly adjust the saw's bend are crucial for playing melodies.
- Experimentation: The musical saw is an intuitive instrument. Don't be afraid to experiment with different bowing angles, pressures, and saw bends to discover its full sonic range.
Playing the saw with a bow is a blend of technique and artistry, producing an enchanting sound that evokes a wide range of emotions, from haunting to whimsical.
