Saw u

Saw u

Classification	String instrument (bowed)
Related instruments
Tro u

The saw u (Thai: ซออู้, pronounced [sɔː ʔûː], rtgs: so u, also spelled saw ou) is a Thai bowed string instrument. It has a lower pitch than the saw duang and is the lowest sounding of the saw family.^[1]

The soundbox is made from a coconut shell that is covered on the open front by cowskin. The saw u is held vertically and has two silk strings that are played with a bow. The bow is between the strings and the player tilts the bow to play each string. The bow is made out of horse tail hair like every other bow and needs to have rosin put on occasionally just like a western stringed instrument. The saw u is a very fragile instrument and is played traditionally on the lap sitting down. The saw u can be played as a solo instrument in some cases but is mainly used for the backbone in some ensembles because of its rich, dark, and mellow tone. The saw u performs its best when playing slow to moderate paced melodies. The sound that the saw u makes is more fit for those types of songs rather than fast paced melodies. The morn (bridge) that rests at the bottom is extremely sensitive and drifts over time, causing changes in tone. The saw u is similar to the Cambodian tro u and was developed by the Chinese into the yehu.

References

External links

• Saw u page

Traditional Thai musical instruments
String	Plucked Chakhe Krachappi Sueng Phin Phin pia Hai song Bowed Saw duang Saw u Saw sam sai Salo Struck Khim
Wind	Flutes Khlui Khlui lib Khlui phiang aw Khlui u Wot Oboes Pi Pi nai Pi nok Pi klang Pi chawa Pi mon Pi chanai Pi o Pi chum Pi so Free-reed pipes Khaen
Percussion	Drums Glong khaek Glong songna Glong yao Glong thad Thon rammana Taphon Glong thap (Thap) Glong Chatri Taphon Mon Glong Malayu Xylophones Pong lang Ranat Ranat ek Ranat thum Ranat ek lek Ranat thum lek Ranat kaeo Gongs Khong wong yai Khong wong lek Khong Mon Khong Mon wong yai Khong Mon wong lek
Others	Ching Chap Krap Mong