Watch Thai people make musical instruments from bamboo and bicycle brake cables

(Baonghean.vn) - Bicycle brake cables and bamboo tubes, through the skillful hands and delicate musical perception of the Thai people, have created the xi xa lo musical instrument, also known as xi xo.

Mr. Luong Van An (born in 1980), in Khe Ngau village, Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong), is a skilled player and maker of xi xa lo, knowledgeable about this musical instrument. He said: “The bamboo used to make this musical instrument must be old and not infested with termites. Usually, bamboo is chosen around February and March, at this time the bamboo will not be infested with termites. In July and August, the bamboo is good but infested with termites. A xi xa lo is 45-50cm long.” Photo: Dinh Tuan

After picking it from the forest, the first step is to thinly peel the bamboo tube to create resonance for the xixo. Mr. An also noted that when peeling the bamboo, it must not be too thin or too thick, because if it is too thin, the tube will easily break when stretched, and if it is too thick, the resonance will be poor and the sound will not be good. Photo: Dinh Tuan

To have satisfactory bamboo flutes, in addition to choosing good bamboo, you need to have a good ear for sound, skillful hands and meticulousness. In the photo: Mr. An is drilling holes for the lock. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Sharpening bamboo to make a lock for the rope. Photo: Dinh Tuan

On top of the bamboo tube, the Thai people drill holes to insert the keys. This musical instrument consists of 3 strings connected from the keys to the holes drilled at the bottom of the bamboo tube. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Previously, strings were made of silk, but now people use bicycle brake cables. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Attach the rope to the lock to tighten the rope. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Drill holes for better and louder sound when playing music. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The bow is made from a thin bamboo stick about 45cm long and 1cm wide; the bowstring is also often made from bamboo. Photo: Dinh Tuan

The sound of the Xi Xa Lo is as simple as the soul of the Thai people. This instrument is used to accompany Thai folk songs such as Lam, Xuoi Nhuon... and can also be combined with other instruments to create a unique and fun ensemble. Photo: Dinh Tuan

Watch Mr. Luong Van An use the toilet:

Dinh Tuan