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TAKHE
Description
The
Takhe is probably the most recent of the Khmer classical
instruments. The origin of the Takhe comes from the
“Chapei Dong Veng” instrument. These two instruments are
very similar, in fact from above they look almost
identical. However, from the side the Chapei is flatter
and can be played with the instrument on the lap, where
as the Takhe is free-standing.
The
Takhe usually has three to five legs supporting it. When
performing, the player sits beside the instrument. The
left hand runs up and down the strings, while the right
hand plucks them using a plectrum. The word “Takhe”
means alligator or crocodile, as the instrument from
above resembles the shape of one, in addition, the frets
are also rather like crocodile’s teeth. Older models of
the Takhe have a carved alligator crocodile’s head to
enhance this image. Now this is rarely so and the
decoration lies in the ornamented on the side of the
instrument.
The
basic shape of the instrument is rectangular with the
front part (or head) pointed, while the body, “Thung” is
wider. The “Thung” is made of hardwood such as “Khnor”.
There are twelve frets on the sound board, made from
bone embedded to the hard wood. There are three tuning
pegs made of bone or hard wood, “Neang Nung,” and one
bridge elevating the strings is also made of bone.
The
three strings are “Kse Ek”, “Kse Gor” and the third,
“Kse Deck” or “Kse Bantor” the last being made of metal
or bronze. The tail piece is called “King Kourk” or
“Kragn” and is usually made from a thin piece of bronze.
The Takhe is used for wedding music, Ave-aye and Chapei
music as well as Mohowrri and other modern music,
including solo form, depending on the skills of the
musician.
Note: Takhe
is actually
a Thai word.
The
originality
of the
instrument
was once
call Ka-phu
because the
head of the
instrument
was carve
like an
alligator
head.
note: click on the
sound link to listen to the sound of the instrument.
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