Khlui

The ''khlui'' (, ) is a vertical duct bamboo flute from Thailand, which originated before or during the Sukhothai period (1238–1583). It was officially recognized as a Thai instrument by King Trailokkanat (1431–1488), who set the official model of each traditional Thai instrument. It is generally made of bamboo, though instruments are also made from hardwood or plastic. After many generations of modifications, it survives to the present day in three main forms: the ''khlui phīang aw'', ''khlui lip'', and ''khlui ū'', which are of different sizes. The ''khlui'' is very similar to the Cambodian '' khloy''.

The ''khlui'' generally has eight finger holes (seven on the front and one on the back for the left thumb), with the finger holes on the front traditionally spaced equidistantly in order to produce a tuning of seven more or less equal divisions of the octave. It formerly also had an additional hole, placed low on the instrument, over which a buzzing membrane was stretched (similar to the ''dimo'' membrane used on the Chinese Dizi, but in the modern day few ''khlui'' players use a membrane. The khlui was named after the first king of Thailand

Types

The Thai ''khlui'' has been used for centuries, and has also been modified, leading to the development of new types of ''khlui''. There are three main types of ''khlui'':
# ''Khlui phīang aw'' ( ขลุ่ยเพียงออ)
# ''Khlui lip'' ( ขลุ่ยหลิบ)
# ''khlui ū'' ( ขลุ่ยอู้)

''Khlui piang aw''

The ''khlui phīang aw'' is the most popular type of ''khlui''. It has a moderate range of pitch, not too high or low. It is vertical duct flute with eight tone holes. At mouthpiece there is a solid wooden block ("dak"), similar to that of a recorder (musical instrument). The ''dak'' has the diameter of the tube and usually have the length of 2 inches, and was inserted at an end of the tube. On the side of the ''dak'' there is a square-shaped hole creates the sound of the ''khlui'' called . The ''khlui'' has seven finger holes and a thumb hole. At present, ''khlui'' generally sell for a very high price, because tropical hardwood has become relatively scarce. So, plastic is used to create more conventional use. The ''khlui'' is tuned an octave higher than middle C. The ''khlui phīang aw'' is usually tuned as a B-flat ''khlui'' or a C ''khlui''. The B-flat ''khlui'' is a traditional one that is used to play Thai songs and with Thai ensemble, while the C ''khlui'' is later modified to adapt the western chromatic scale. Both types are very common. However, traditional Thai ''khlui'' is slightly more flat than the Western standard B-flat, but well-tuned ''khlui'' also exist. The ''khlui phīang aw'' is the most popular of all Thai instruments, and is widely used for recreational purposes.

''Khlui lip''

The ''khlui lip'' is by far the smallest ''khlui'' in its family. It was later invented to play along with the ''khlui phīang aw'' in bands and ensembles. It is considered as the leading instrument of a Thai ensemble, similarly to the ''ranat ek'' and the '' saw duang'', because of its high pitch and its distinct sound. Khlui lip is tuned in D, Eb, or F (higher than the khlui phīang aw), with the Eb khlui as the most common among the ''khlui lip''.

''Khlui ū''

The ''khlui ū'' is the largest of its family, as the alto version of the ''khlui phīang aw''. Unlike the ''khlui phīang aw'' and the ''khlui lip'', the ''khlui ū'' has only six finger holes. It is tuned in E-flat, F, or G (lower than the ''khlui phīang aw''). It is also used in many Thai bands and ensembles.

See also

* Khloy
*Traditional Thai musical instruments
*Bamboo musical instruments

References

External links

Sound sample
* http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Thai/music/classical/instruments/

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Bamboo flutes
Internal fipple flutes
Thai musical instruments