Customer Reviews

Scratch My Back: A Pictoral History of the Musical Saw and How to Play It

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Scratch My Back is probably the only book written about the musical saw. The saw had a brief period of popularity early in the 20th century, but became rare with advent of amplified instruments. Its unique tone - similar to a theremin - is still enjoyed by a few enthusiasts.

The book comprises three sections; the first charts the history of the saw, from its folk and vaudeville roots to the present. The middle section profiles saw players, past and present. The third section covers choosing and playing a saw in some detail.

The author is an accomplished saw player, and has researched the instrument's background thoroughly. There's a slight overuse of saw-related puns, but the book is a fine work, and is the only book for the aspiring saw player.

I was astounded when (a) I saw a Russian folk group playing the saw with a mallet and (b) I heard an aria from Madame Butterfly played on a saw. I did the obvious thing - bought a saw, a bow, and this book (and attended a one hour workshop).

This book is an excellent introduction to the history of musical saws and the musical sawers(?) sawists(?) who comprise today's musical saw community. The final section gives you just enough instructions to make a sound, lower or raise it, and get blisters.

The book has a delightful tongue-in-cheek tone while providing useful information. It should interest anyone with an interest in folk music - listening or playing.