Murray

Yes I realised that you meant the colloquial use of the word "harp". I don't know the history of either the harmonica or the Jew's harp. On re-reading my posting it kind-of looks like I was being sarcastic when I wrote "..but how old is the Jew's harp and blues harp?" but it was written as a serious enquiry. No sarcasm intended. :-) I would be interested if anyone could tell me more - either in this posting, if it's appropriate, or by e-mail message. I would particularly like to know how the harmonica came to be referred to as a blues harp. That has always intrigued me,

Helen