Name of Instrument: khaen

Maker / Brand:

Stearns Catalog #: 1976

Country of Origin: Thailand

Region of Origin: Southeast Asia

Instrument Category: Aerophone

Date of Fabrication:

Location: AER Q 2

Description: The khaen is a mouth organ found in Laos and northeast Thailand. It consists of two rows of bamboo pipes. When the player blows into the instrument, metal reeds in the pipe walls vibrate to produce the sound. Finger holes are burned above the windchest, allowing all the fingers to cover the holes. The khaen can play 15 pitches covering two octaves. It may be used as both a solo instrument or to accompany a singer. Khaen players improvise on one of 6 pentatonic modes. In Thailand, khaen appear together in large khaen ensembles.

Research: Stearns Staff