Thai Long Drum: the Refinement of Thai Musical Instruments

Long drum can be made out of the whole hardwood trunk. It has merely one head. The widest part of the drum is at the head. The upper part narrows down to the thinner neck and to the open end. Another piece of wood is placed at the end so as to make a wide edge. Long drum has an average drumhead of 20 cm in diameter as well as a body of 75 cm in length.

In the distant past, Thai people unquestionably knew how to invent the musical instruments themselves or to imitate the prototypes of other and then acclimatize them to their own exploitation. When they still resided in their original country in southern China, it appears, in accordance with the chronicles of time, that the Thai were a people who were always fond of music and singing and that the Thai had a high musical knack. It can be evident that the very foremost Thai musical instruments were given names in relation to the sound the made. Subsequently, the Thai discovered more sophisticated methods of creating musical instruments.

The account of Thai musical practice is interlinked with numerous regional influences. The Thai musical instruments are handcrafted by skillful craftsmen living in various parts of the country. The musical tradition of Thailand has been kept alive through centuries. The country has an intriguing range of drums due to a rich history of classical and folk music, diverse population and prime location in the heart of Southeast Asia where it brought in impression from the neighboring countries. One of the most frequently utilized drums in Thailand is Thai Long Drum of “Klong Yao” which can disclose the refinement of Thai musical instruments.

Drums are regarded as caliber products based on years of experience and the complexity involved in every step of production. Locally available pinewood is the principal raw material for the body of the drum owing to the flexible texture that makes carving simple. Nevertheless, different types of drums require different kinds of hides. Buffalo hide is ideal for a variety of drums as it is thicker than cowhide ensuring a lasting quality for intense handlings. Ropes and nails are used to clasp the leather to the drum. Devised for specific purposes, drums come in assorted shapes and sizes from timpani to long drums, one-sided drums or dance drums.

Long drum is a Thai drum relatively alike to the African djembe in its playing style. However, the neck of the drum is long and slender with a trumpet-like base. Long drum is characterized by its tremendous length. It is most prevalent in Thailand, Africa and Native American tradition. Long drum can be made out of the whole hardwood trunk. It has merely one head. The widest part of the drum is at the head. The upper part narrows down to the thinner neck and to the open end. Another piece of wood is placed at the end so as to make a wide edge. Long drum has an average drumhead of 20 cm in diameter as well as a body of 75 cm in length.

The body of the drum is conventionally adorned with a piece of cloth and tied up around the upper part of the body. Another circle of cloth hangs down slackly from the rim of the head. A long strip is also fastened to the head and then united to the narrow part of the drum so that it can be slung from the shoulders. The drum is played chiefly with the hands but some adept players are able to play with their elbows, knees and even their heels! The original from of long drum is believed to come from Burma which was adapted by Thai soldiers at the onset of the Bangkok period when the Thai and the Burmese were engaged in their last war.
Thai Long Drum: the Refinement of Thai Musical Instruments
by : Peter

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