Saw duang
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| Classification | String instrument (bowed) |
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The saw duang (Thai: , pronounced [sɔː dûəŋ], rtgs: so duang) is a two-stringed instrument used in traditional Thai music. The sound is produced by the bow made from horsetail hair which goes between the strings made from silk. The bow has to be tilted to switch from one string to another. Saw duang is light and played vertically on the lap. It creates a bright tone unlike the Saw u which produces a mellow sound. Another instrument which is similar to the Saw duang is the Chinese stringed instrument called Huqin.
Thai musical instruments were adopted from Chinese instruments but with adaptations. (Interesting to note that China began using the Erhu at the same time that Siam sent instruments to China) The variety of musical instruments expanded when the Thai kingdom in the Indo-China peninsula came into contact with India. Later on Thailand also adopted the western instruments such as violin and organ. Saw duang may have been copied from the Huqin of China. The name was given based on its shape which resembles a trap (duang dak yae or ด้วงดักแย้) used by the people of the Northern provinces to catch edible lizards.
Saw duang has seven main components:
In a traditional string ensemble or Wong Khrueang Sai (วงเครื่องสาย), Saw duang acts as a leader due to its high and clear sound. In recent times, the traditional string ensemble has developed with the addition of Western instruments such as violins and piano. These string ensembles are used in many occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and housewarmings.
It is equivalent to the Cambodian .
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