Largest Jaw Harp in the World – Austria
The largest jaw harp in the world is located in Molln, Austria, at the Wimmer-Bades jaw harp manufactory.
This monumental instrument stands over 6 meters tall and weighs around 2 tons, making it the biggest jaw harp ever built.
Crafted by the long-established Wimmer-Bades jaw harp manufactory, this extraordinary instrument embodies genuine Austrian craftsmanship, living tradition, and musical innovation.
The world's largest jaw harp is not just a world record – it's a cultural landmark and an impressive destination for visitors from all over the world.
Facts & Dimensions
- Height: approx. 6 meters
- Weight: approx. 2 tons
- Material: steel
- Location: Molln, Upper Austria
- Builder: Wimmer-Bades Maultrommelmanufaktur
This impressive structure is officially recognized as the world’s largest jaw harp and has become a unique landmark in Austria.
Where is the Largest Jaw Harp?
The world’s largest jaw harp can be found in the village of Molln in Upper Austria.
Molln is internationally known as the center of traditional jaw harp making and has a long history of craftsmanship.
The giant jaw harp is installed directly at the Wimmer-Bades manufactory, where visitors can see it up close.
We live our craft
The Wimmer-Bades family has been a traditional producer of the Molln Jew's harp since the 17th century, located directly at the beginning of the Alps and at the foot and riverbank of the Krumme Steyrling.
Following this principle, we have created a work of art at the entrance to our company, which - like all our jaw harps - was produced with great sensitivity, valuable handwork, several hundred hours of work, and numerous work steps.
Particular attention is paid to the form and execution of the Jew's Harp Monument.
The typical rhombus (diamond) shape of the entire steel frame, as well as the meticulously crafted, embossed legs, distinguish the monument as a large-scale, true-to-scale sculpture.
Measuring over six meters in height and weighing nearly two tons, this world record-breaking jaw harp is the largest sculpture modeled after an original and traditional Molln jaw harp shape.
In the background of the landscape rise the Dürre Eck (1,222m) and the Gaisberg (1,267m) with the Mollner Hütte located to the south at 1,005m.
We at the Wimmer-Bades family business see the implementation of this project as a valuable contribution to revitalizing and preserving our centuries-old tradition and its cultural heritage in our beautiful Steyr Valley.
The production of the jaw harp in Molln was recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the Austrian UNESCO Commission in 2014.
Why is it the Largest Jaw Harp in the World?
The instrument was built as a tribute to the centuries-old tradition of jaw harp making in Austria.
Its size and construction are unique worldwide, clearly surpassing all other known jaw harps.
While normal jaw harps are small musical instruments played in the mouth, this giant version is a symbolic representation of the craft and its cultural importance.
Jaw Harp Tradition in Austria
The region around Molln has been a center of jaw harp production for centuries.
The craftsmanship of making jaw harps has even been recognized as intangible cultural heritage.
The Wimmer-Bades manufactory continues this tradition today, combining historical techniques with modern precision.
Production of the world's largest jaw harp - a technical masterpiece
The manufacture of this world record instrument required exceptional skill and technical finesse.
Forging the frame
The frame forms the foundation of every jaw harp. For the world's largest jaw harp, it was shaped and precisely aligned in many elaborate steps.
Heat, force, and precision were crucial. Despite its size, absolute symmetry had to be achieved.
Despite its enormous size, stability had to be maintained so that the sculpture would remain unchanged in the Molln landscape for many years to come.
Creating the tongue – The heart of the sculpture
The tongue is the heart of every jaw harp.
Even with the oversized jaw harp, this requires meticulous craftsmanship of the highest caliber.
Even the slightest deviations affect pitch and playability. The tongue has been precisely tuned, even in this world record-breaking format.
Fine-tuning and coordination
Precise laser measurement is essential to accurately control and maintain all dimensions within these scales.
This is where decades of experience come into play.
The result:
An instrument that is making history.
World record and craftsmanship – A jaw harp makes history
The jaw harp is one of the oldest musical instruments known to humankind.
In Molln, the center of Austrian jaw harp manufacturing, it was created on a scale that is unique worldwide.
The world's largest jaw harp combines:
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Traditional forging techniques
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Static stability despite enormous size
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Precise craftsmanship
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Modern manufacturing expertise
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Decades of experience in mold making
Every step of the process was meticulously planned and executed by hand over hundreds of hours – from shaping the frame to the precise, scale-accurate reproduction of a traditional Molln jaw harp mold.
This project demanded the highest levels of experience, material knowledge, and craftsmanship.
Molln – Historical Center of the Jaw's Harp
Molln in Upper Austria has been inextricably linked to the jaw harp for generations. The region developed into the European center of jaw harp production.
The Wimmer-Bades manufactory stands for:
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Hand-forged jaw harps
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Traditional manufacturing techniques
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International recognition
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Quality from Austria
The world's largest jaw harp underlines this special significance and makes Mölln a cultural attraction.
Visit the world's largest jaw harp
Visitors are welcome to see the largest jaw harp in the world in Molln, Austria.
The site is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional craftsmanship on a monumental scale.
Whether you are interested in music, culture, or unusual world records, this giant jaw harp is a must-see attraction.
Those looking for unique destinations in Upper Austria will find a real gem in Molln. The world's largest jaw harp connects:
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Craftsmanship
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Music History
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Regional Culture
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Experience for Families
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Exciting Photo Spot
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Authentic Tradition
The world record-holding instrument attracts visitors, music lovers, school groups, tour groups and media representatives every year.
Molln has been considered a center of jaw harp production for centuries – and with the world's largest jaw harp, this tradition has been impressively demonstrated.
Fame Beyond Austria
The extraordinary size and construction of this jaw harp have attracted international attention.
For example, it is listed on Wikipedia as the largest jaw harp in the world.
Link: Maultrommel-Monument Wimmer-Bades – Wikipedia
This mention underscores the special significance of the jaw harp from Molln as a cultural and musical heritage.
Location
Keywords:
largest jaw harp in the world, biggest jaw harp, jew’s harp Austria, jaw harp Molln, world record jaw harp, Wimmer-Bades Jaw Harp manufacturer
Maultrommelmanufaktur & Traditionshandwerk
WIMMER-BADES
Im Sperrboden 1
A-4591 Molln
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