Hello, I am from the UK and I have recently bought a Thai instrument. It appears to be a type of 'seung', a stringed instrument with 4 strings. Here is an image of it:

I am a guitar player, and mainly play 'Western-style' standard tuning (EADGBE). However, I was wondering how a 'seung' or similar Thai instruments are usually tuned? I understand it is quite different to the tuning mentioned above.

It is likely that I may have to change the strings, as they seem to be worn out, what material are the strings usually made from. Are there any websites that may supply them?

Thank you if you are able to help, I look forward to learning to play it.

I recommend you contact the people who run the "Music of Southeast Asia" website. They are from the UK and will no doubt be able to help. Good luck.

Forgot the link!

http://seamusic.org.uk/contact.html

These traditional Thai instruments are not meant to be tuned, you simply tighten the strings until, when plucked, they take on the melody of a cat being boiled alive in a vat of oil. I hear them all the time so it must be true.

These traditional Thai instruments are not meant to be tuned, you simply tighten the strings until, when plucked, they take on the melody of a cat being boiled alive in a vat of oil. I hear them all the time so it must be true.

This is correct. Thai "traditional" music is supposed to be as grating, harsh on the ears and discordant as possible.