This is one of the tall khaens in our collection of nine
khaens (one of which is in pieces). It is a set of 14 long,
thin bamboo tubes that fit into a small windchamber that is
attached to the tubes with a gummy resin. Small, metal
free-beating reeds are found inside the bamboo tubes, which
are arranged in two rows, side-by-side. Holes in the sides
of the tubes allow air to pass through. When the fingerholes
are covered, air is forced through the tubes, thus setting
the reeds to vibrate.
The khaen is found in northern
Thailand, northeastern Burma, and Laos. It is played as a
solo instrument and occasionally in ensembles or to
accompany singing.
