musical saw

noun

1. a handsaw played as a musical instrument with a violin bow or a hammer while the saw is bent with varying tension to change the pitch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of musical saw¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

With Leftie and Lonnie en route to the cabin, the score pulses with what sounds like a ticking time bomb, plus something like an eerie musical saw for some extra shivers.

From Los Angeles Times

Sunday routine: A musical saw player is a bell ringer for her church.

From New York Times

Instruments involved: In New York City, Natalia Paruz is a professional bell ringer, musical saw player and occasional harpist.

From Seattle Times

The musical saw a bump at the box office after winning the Tony Award, playing to sold-out houses for two weeks with grosses peaking at $860,496 during the week that ended June 26.

From New York Times

In such a list, the musical saw seems no more than a logical next step.

From New York Times