Saw-Bang: Music Wisdom of the Phu-Tai People, in Kuchinarai District, Kalasin Province

Abstract

Background and Aim: The Saw Bang is a distinctive musical instrument of the Thai people. This study is qualitative research aimed at studying the knowledge and characteristics of the Saw Bang instrument among Phu-Tai.

Materials and Methods: The Data were collected from documents and field observations, with a purposive target group selected. The research utilized interview and observational tools, employed data triangulation to verify information, and employed typological analysis to categorize data. Analytic induction was used to draw conclusions, and findings were presented through descriptive analysis.

Results: “Saw-Bang” (acoustic bamboo fiddle) is made of bamboo. The main components consist of the fiddle header, the fiddle section, the fiddle footer, and a bow. A player will sit cross-legged using a left thumb to support the fiddle’s back while using an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, and a little finger for playing each note. Moreover, the right-hand holds the bow with the palm facing up. Insert a right ring finger between the bow and horsetail to press the hand’s weight against the horsetail while playing. There are two ways of playing Saw-Bang including a traditional style and a general style. In the traditional style, there are two main strings and one secondary string. The main strings must be adjusted to the same note, and the secondary strings must be one step lower note than the main strings. Also, the two main strings have different functions. The first string on the left side of the player acts as the melody string while the middle string is for playing harmonies. Besides, the secondary string on the right side will serve the low melody of the Phu-Tai music performance. For other melodies, the player will press the bow on the two main strings. Another way of playing saw-bang is the general style in which the two main strings have different notes. The main strings’ intervals will be set to 4^th perfect, and the player will fiddle with only one string. Saw-Bang has three sound setting systems including the same sounding two-string format, the two-string with a different sound format, and the three-string format.

Conclusion: This study serves as a valuable reminder of the cultural wisdom of the Phu-Tai people, who have creatively crafted knowledge in the field of music, specifically regarding this particular instrument. It is crucial, especially for future generations, to preserve and perpetuate this cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.