Chakhe
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| Classification | String (plucked) |
|---|---|
| Related instruments | |
| Krapeu | |
The chakhe (Thai: จะเข้, pronounced [tɕa.kʰêː], rtgs: chakhe, deriving from the word chorakhe, จระเข้, meaning "crocodile") is a plucked zither used in Thai music. It is made of wood in a stylized crocodile shape and is approximately 20 cm high and 140 cm long. Its highest two strings are made of silk yarn or nylon and lowest is made of brass. It has raised frets made of bamboo, which are affixed to the fretboard with wax or glue.
The player uses his or her left hand on the fretboard while plucking the string by his right hand with a tapered plectrum made from ivory or water buffalo horn, which is tied to the player's index finger. The instrument has a buzzing sound because the strings are raised just off the flat bridge by a sliver of bamboo or other thin material such as plastic.
The chakhe is similar to the Cambodian krapeu (takhe), the Burmese mi gyaung. and the Mon kyam.
See also
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