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Dan Bau, the most exotic and unique musical instrument in the world
Dan Bau on stage
Dan Bau
Dan Bau is the most unique musical instrument
in the world.
Dan Bau has only 1 string. Yes! You read it right!
It
has only one string but can deliver wonderful, captivating sound for any notes you like
in a
tonal range up to 3 octaves.
Dan Bau (shown here is the foldable version)
A Dan Bau has 5 components:
- A sound box trapezium shape around 110cm long.
The larger end is 12cm wide, 10cm high while the smaller end is around 8cm
high and 7cm wide.
- A spout made of bamboo or buffalo horn acts as a super
whammy bar
- A gourd, traditional used to assist the sound box to amplify the sound
(now only used as decorative in modern Dan Bau, especially now that most modern Dan Bau has
built-in magnetic pick-up similar to electric guitar)
- One string (metal string from .30mm to .40mm)
- Tuning peg (or geared tuning machine similar to Western
guitar or bass)
The player plucks the string with the right hand while
removing the lower side of the same hand from one of the 7 harmonic
note locations on the string and simultaneously control the pitch of the sound with
the left hand by moving the sprout (acting similar to a super whammy bar) creating less or more tension on
the string. The left hand also produce the various ornament to the sound
(vibratos, glissandos, etc.). The result is a harmonic sound, full, rich
of overtones and ornaments which is unique to Dan Bau and cannot be duplicated
by any other musical instruments in the world.
For most people, Dan Bau is an exotic instrument and the
sounds it generated has incredible attraction to the listeners.
Due to its distinct sound, Dan Bau has been very popular in
traditional music in Vietnam. For modern music, Dan Bau is frequently used as a solo
instrument, song accompaniment, and as the lead instrument in a modern band
(sharing the same spot light as lead guitar, saxophone, etc.).
Dan Bau is usually decorated with beautiful seven-color
mother-of-pearl and are frequently used as decorative by the non-musicians.
Click the buttons at the top of this page to explore the
wonderful artistic world of Dan Bau.
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