Bending the saw to make music
One particular type of music in the Turks and Caicos Islands is called “Ripsaw” and it is also known as “Rake n’ Scrape.” The main instrument is a plain and ordinary carpenter’s saw and some musicians have turned these instruments into a work of art.
Diamond performs on his painted saw
The saw can be played with the serrated edge or teeth facing the body, though some players face them away. Also the saw can be held by the handle or the reverse end to produce a gentle bend in the center of the blade.
"Ripping the Saw" by using a knife in this case to produce a unique scraping sound.
An "S" curve in the saw will make it sing.
Our local musicians use a metal scraper of some sort, either a knife, a screwdriver or a fork is raked and scraped over the teeth of the saw to make rhythmic percussion-type scratching sounds.
Ripsaw music is included in local folklore skits
The centre of the S curve is "the sweet spot" that creates sound when scraped.
Ripsaw musician with the Island Boys local band
Diamond in action
We are fortunate to be able to see and enjoy the abundance of local talent found here in the Turks and Caicos. Head on out to some of the hot spots on island to enjoy the sounds of our Ripsaw bands.
Marta