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.

Ancient Roman coins: History you can hold in your hand

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.

More: Antique Jade: Truly Eternal Collectibles

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 favorite 200 listings 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 sellers. Sales 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 11 - 20 of 200

Khaen Bamboo Isan Thai Instrument Musical Organ Mouth Am Key Professional Sound

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

$151.39

Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo #Am Isan Thai Instrument Musical Organ Mouth Laos Traditional Folk

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

$224.79

Buy It Now Price

B1 Thai Isarn Khaen Instrument Bamboo Laos Mouth Organ Musical Traditional Folk

Seller: somprasong_dan ★★★★★★★★★★ 96.4% (180 ratings)
Location: Thailand

$145.59

Buy It Now Price

Vintage Thai Khaen Bamboo Musical Instrument 34” W/ 1973 Laos Booklet

Seller: portlandpickers ★★★★★★★★★★ 100% (7,147 ratings)
Location: United States

10% OFF
$229.00
$206.10 or best offer

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Bamboo Mouth Organ Khaen Musical Instrument Traditional Thai Good Sound Key Am 8

Seller: wealthy_shop ★★★★★★★★★★ 97.4% (68 ratings)
Location: Thailand

10% OFF
$137.79
$124.01

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Bamboo Khaen Isan Laos Mouth Organ Key Am 8 Traditional Musical Instrument Folk

Seller: pinyackarae-0 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.6% (131 ratings)
Location: Thailand

6% OFF
$135.00
$126.90

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Gift Khaen Bamboo Thai Laos Musicial Instrument Mouth Organ Traditional Key Dm

Seller: nalee3659 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.2% (193 ratings)
Location: Thailand

5% OFF
$145.00
$137.75

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo Thai Isan Musicial Instrument Mouthorgan Professional Tradition#Am

Seller: thantawanshop ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.3% (134 ratings)
Location: Thailand

5% OFF
$178.00
$169.10

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo Thai Isan Musicial Instrument Mouthorgan Professional Tradition#Am

Seller: thantawanshop ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.3% (134 ratings)
Location: Thailand

5% OFF
$157.00
$149.15

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Khaen Bamboo Thai Isan Musicial Instrument Mouthorgan Professional Black Am Key

Seller: central495 ★★★★★★★★★★ 98.3% (336 ratings)
Location: Thailand

5% OFF
$185.11
$175.83

Limited-time deal. Buy It Now Price

Show
11 - 20 of 200

Browse more on MegaMinistore