Definition & Meaning of "musical saw"

What is a "musical saw"?

A musical saw is a unique instrument that produces sound by bending a hand saw and using a bow to stroke its edge. The saw's flexible metal blade vibrates, creating different pitches depending on how it is bent and how the bow is applied. This instrument has a distinctive, eerie sound often compared to a human voice. It is used in various musical genres, including folk, classical, and experimental music, and is valued for its haunting, ethereal tones.