Buy now: £149.99
BEAUTIFUL FOLD-UP ELECTRIC DAN BAMBOO This Electric Portable, Foldable Dan Bau measures 108 cm (42 inch) when extended. Comes with rosin and a pick. The dan bau is one-string zither specifically native to Vietnam. It is constructed of a long narrow sound box, with a tall curved stem made from water buffalo horn inserted at one end. The single string runs between the sound box and a small wooden gourd (in Vietnamese, it is called "Bau") attached to the stem, or "whammy bar called a niipper (known as "Voi Dan" in Vietnamese). The stem is bent to change the pitch of the string. The player touches the string lightly with the heel of the hand at harmonic-producing nodal points while plucking with the fingers or plectrum. This produces the dan bau characteristic high clear sound. This Dan Bau is a brand new fold-up model, and is electric-- pick-up assembly pre-installed- (amplifier not included) and is decorated with beautiful pearl shell inlay on the sides depicting various Vietnamese artistic motif's. It comes with a soft black case, that can be carried by handle or shoulder strap. They are all equally beautiful. Historically the dan bau was played by blind street musicians, and along the streets of Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, one can still hear these sweet sounds. Legend has it the dan bau should be solely for the pleasure of its player, or for poetry, and young women are warned not to listen to it. This warning, probably coming from vigilant parents of a by-gone era, wishing to protect their daughters from the emotionally seductive appeal of love songs played on this instrument; this gives an idea of the power and charm of its sound.
