Types and Significance of Xylophones in Thai Musical Tradition

Xylophone, among the ancient percussion instruments, is known for its ability to produce more than three tones by the vibration of bars of various shapes and sizes, resulting in a range of frequencies and tones. Originating in Southeast Asia, xylophones have more than three sets of bars.

In Thailand, the xylophone, or Ranad, was developed for traditional Thai music during the late Ayutthaya period. Thai xylophones typically have rosewood bars suspended by cords and hung on a boat-shaped frame, with resonators attached at both ends of the bars for tuning. The wooden bars are struck using wooden mallets to produce various tones.

There are two classifications of Thai xylophones: Ranad-Ek and Ranad-Tum. Although they have similar appearances, the number of wooden bars in each type is different. Ranad-Ek generally consists of 22 wooden bars, while Ranad-Tum contains 18 wooden bars. Additionally, Ranad-Ek generates higher sound tones than Ranad-Tum.

The traditional Thai xylophone, known as the ranat ek, is a single-row instrument with 21 bars made of rosewood. It is highly regarded as the lead instrument in classical Thai music and is played with bamboo mallets. Tuned to a pentatonic scale, the ranat ek produces a high-pitched sound.

The ranat ek lek is a larger version of the ranat ek, also made from rosewood, but with 22 or 23 bars. It has a lower pitch and is often used to accompany the ranat thum lek in Thai classical music. In contrast to the traditional wooden bars, the ranat ek lek is a metallophone with flat metal keys placed over a rectangular wooden resonator. It is played with bamboo sticks that have padded ends.

The ranat thum lek is a bass Thai xylophone with 18 or 19 wooden bars made of teak wood. It produces a deep and resonant sound and is often used to provide a rhythmic foundation for other instruments in a Thai ensemble. The bars are struck with padded mallets, and the instrument is tuned to a pentatonic scale. Like the ranat ek lek, it also has a rectangular wooden resonator, but it is played with two bamboo sticks with padded ends.

The khong wong yai is a circle of 16 tuned gongs in a rattan frame used in Thai music, providing melody for the piphat ensemble. The player sits in the center and plays with beaters. The gongs are tuned with beeswax and individually made of various metals. The highest sound is “Luk Yod.” It is played by hitting the gongs with a stick and supporting them with fingers.
The gongs of the khong wong yai are tuned differently from each other, similar to the bars of a xylophone.

In the context of Thai music, a piphat ensemble is a traditional musical ensemble that typically includes wind, string, and percussion instruments. The instruments used in a piphat ensemble can vary, but they typically include the ranat (xylophone), khlui (bamboo flute), pi (oboe-like instrument), chakhe (large drums), and ching (small cymbals). The khong wong yai, a circle of tuned gongs, is also commonly included in the ensemble. The piphat ensemble is often used to accompany Thai classical dance performances and other ceremonial events.

We can observe from the composition of the piphat ensemble that the xylophone holds a crucial role in Thai music, as well as being a significant instrument in various other Asian musical traditions.
Its unique sound and ability to produce multiple tones make it a versatile and essential part of traditional music ensembles.

Beautifully carved wooden Thai xylophones such as this one are available on Amazon for 39.99$.