The Tam Thap Luc is a sort
of zither with thirty-six brass strings as it is called. It has the shape of an
isosceles trapezoid, with a slightly convex sound board made of light, porous,
unvarnished wood.
The bridges and sides are
made of hardwood. The bottom is flat. There are two staggered lines of 18
bridges on the sound board. The bridges on the left have hooks to which the
strings are attached; those on the right have pegs for tuning. The strings,
made of metal, are struck with two thin flexible bamboo sticks tipped with
felt.
The playing technique
includes a quick run, vibrato, stopping, and pressing. The tones are bright and
merry and the notes of an arpeggio can be played in swift succession or
simultaneously.
The Tam Thap Luc plays an
important role in the band accompanying cheo and cai luong operas. It can also
be played to accompany instrument solos, singing, or as part of an orchestra.
Recently, more strings have been added so that all semi-tones can be played.
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