Where Are Ranad Ek Instruments Made In Isaan?

[martianmartian]

Hi,

I saw some ranad ek (xylophones) on a trip to Kalasin once, and was told they are made locally. However, I never got any contact details. Does anyone know of any specific villages that specialise in their production in Kalasin province or elsewhere?

[plachon]

Hi,

I saw some ranad ek (xylophones) on a trip to Kalasin once, and was told they are made locally. However, I never got any contact details. Does anyone know of any specific villages that specialise in their production in Kalasin province or elsewhere?

No, not exactly, but I remember reading a Bangkok Post article about a guy in Khon Kaen who makes the kym (dulcimer type instruments) and supposedly has a thriving business. It might be worth asking at one of the two Thai musical instrument shops just in front the Khon Kaen market (Srichan Road?) for the location of these instrument makers. I've also seen a Khon Kaen village in the past that used jackfruit wood and cow hide to make the long drums you see at Isaan festivals, so there seems to be little pockets of skill specialisation when it comes to making musical instruments - it's just a matter of asking around shops or players and you'll soon find them I reckon. Good luck!