It is a six-piece percussion instrument made from carving two tongues on the top part of a bamboo tube while leaving the bottom to serve as handle and resonator. The tongues are struck against the palm of the player to create a buzzing sound. Tuning is done by adjusting the “tuknor”, a weaved rattan ring placed on the body of the instrument. Variation in sound is made by opening and closing the thumbhole at the base of the instrument. |
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Béllingving
Science in a creative industry.
The DOST-FPRDI has a Bamboo Musical Instruments Innovation R&D program aimed at improving the quality of locally-made bamboo musical instruments (BMIs) through science and innovative technologies. The program seeks to standardize the production of selected BMIs, develop prototype designs, analyze raw material sources and existing markets, and build a BMI processing facility. In addition, the program aims to document the ethnocultural story behind several BMIs and identify the bamboo species used in BMI production to promote public awareness and appreciation of the cultural importance of these musical instruments. The program is a collaboration with the University of the Philippines and Philippine Normal University for teaching modules and analyzing sound quality and standardization of BMI design. The DOST Grants-in-Aid program provides funding.
PhBMI