A Study of the Krachappi Instrument of Hong Seung Luang, Huai O Sub-district, Long District, Phrae Province

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to investigate the history of Hong Seung Luang, in the Long Sub-district of Mueang District in Phrae Province, and to examine the creation of Krachappi instrument using an ethnomusicology study. The results of qualitative research and fieldwork data gathering revealed that Mr. Jirasak Tanumas was the musician, Thai instrument maker, and wisdom knowledge learning center who was inherited with knowledge from Mr. Pad Modniyom and later from Mr. Boonrat Tippayaratana and Mr. Worrachet Sriwongpan. After that Mr. Jirasak Tanumas established Hong Seung Luang in 2003 as a Thai music learning center and the production source of Krachappi, Sung, and Salo instruments. The unique production of Krachappi process had the structure and components as follows: (1) making a soundbox or Ka-lok; (2) making a neck or Kan-tuan; (3) making a soundboard or Tad; (4) making paddles or Khon; (5) making drill holes for peg boxes or Rang-mai; (6) making tuning pegs or Look-bid and bridges or Yong; (7) making bridge or Soom; (8) making strap pins or Lak; (9) making frets or Nom and tuning the sound; (10) string; and (11) making the plectrum or String Plucker. However, the uniqueness of Hong Seung Luang’s Krachappi were that it had twelve Nom and patterned holes were drilled with dharmachakra pattern around bodhi leaf design.