Khene bamboo flute: The music of Thailand and Laos

HomeExotica

Khene bamboo flute
The music of Thailand and Laos

FIND KHENE FLUTES AND RELATED FOR SALE

The khene (a.k.a. khaen; in Thai: แคน), a long bamboo reed instrument, is the most beloved musical instrument in Laos as well as neighboring Thailand. It is the Lao instrument most familiar to the rest of the world. Often a common part of daily life, in some families as indispensable as chairs and tables, the khene is revered worldwide for its highly unique buzzing sound.

The origins of the khene are not known exactly. The usual tale is that a woman created the instrument (after several designs that didn’t work) to imitate a particular bird’s song. Pleased with the instrument, she took it to the leader of her area in an effort to popularize it. The leader loved the sound, and since it was as yet unnamed, he suggested she call it khene (“better”) because it sounded better than the other instruments he’d heard.

See also: Antique Jade: Truly Eternal Collectibles

Bamboo tubes are bunched together to create the khene, and the instrument utilizes a free reed, which vibrates when air is blown past it. (Accordions and harmonicas operate on the same principle.) The most common khene has 16 tubes of varying lengths, each with a brass reed inside. Older versions had 18 tubes and were much longer.

The size of the instrument varies, from 61 cm, or 2 feet, up to 250 cm, or 8+ feet. It has a droning, commanding presence, and is capable of rather interesting, generally vibrant music. It is most popular in rural areas of Laos.

The khene is played in different types of settings: solo, with other instruments, or as part of a khene ensemble. It is most often used for singers performing Lao folk music, and for background music in theater.

Browse 200 current Khene flutes and related for sale offers here

Interestingly, the khene is an instrument of the Lao people, meaning that it is popular both in Laos itself, as well as the large Lao population in northern Thailand’s Issan region. 

Khene flutes and related for sale

Currently showing our top 200 sales from eBay vendors. Click for shipping details and money-back guarantee info. Khene flutes and related listings are chosen using MegaMinistore's original custom technology. We show you only the latest and best listings from safe, trusted vendors. Listings are updated and refreshed every day.

When you click a link to a merchant and make a purchase, it can result in this website earning a commission. Affiliations include, but are not limited to, eBay Partner Network. 

Showing 171 - 180 of 200

Khaen Bamboo Musical Folk Tradition Isan Lao Mouth Organ Black Instrument Key Dm

Seller: partsshop8966 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.1% (92 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$299.98

Buy It Now Price

Thai Khaen Bamboo Isan Laos Mouth Organ Musical Instrument Traditional Folk Cm

Seller: chotchwng ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (415 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$168.99

Buy It Now Price

Khaen Instrument Bamboo Isan Mouthorgan Organ Musical Tradition Harmonica Folk

Seller: partshappy79 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (8 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$42.98 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

Musical Folk Khaen Bamboo Crafts Tradition Good Sound Kan Professional 8 Key Dm

Seller: saracrop8 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (154 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$284.02

Buy It Now Price

Thai Khaen Bamboo Isan Laos Mouth Organ Folk Musical Instrument Key Dm With Bag

Seller: partsshop88 ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (11 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$158.28 or best offer

Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo Silver Reed Isan Laos Mouth Organ Musical Instrument Kan 8 Key # Dm

Seller: chotchwnggud ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (156 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$308.98

Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo Silver Reed Isan Lao Mouth Organ Musical Instrument Kan 8 Key Fm

Seller: chotchwnggud ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (156 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$240.99

Buy It Now Price

Wooden music Thai Khaen Kid Bamboo Isan Laos Mouth Beginner Organ Instrument

Seller: thankyou-2022 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.1% (129 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$57.68

Buy It Now Price

NewYear Thai Khaen Bamboo Isan Laos Mouth Organ Musical Traditional Instrument

Seller: charmmii88 ★★★★★★★★★★ 95.2% (70 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$101.43

Buy It Now Price

Thai Khaen Bamboo Laos Isan Mouth Organ Musical Am Bm Cm Dm Key

Seller: charmmii88 ★★★★★★★★★★ 95.2% (70 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$126.79

Buy It Now Price

Show
171 - 180 of 200

Browse more on MegaMinistore