Thai Musical Instrument Invention of Ranad Ek Resin Resonator

Abstract

The research titled “Thai Musical Instrument Invention of Ranad Ek Resin Resonator” has the following objectives:  (1) to create an invention of Thai musical instrument by producing Ranad Ek resonator from resin and (2) to test the efficiency of the Ranad Ek resin resonator. It is a qualitative research that used the process of data collection from documents, research papers, books, textbooks, media related to Thai instrument inventions and resin material, and interviews with knowledgeable persons and experts in resin material and Thai musical instrument producers in order to gain information for the creating of this invention. The result of the research shows resin resonator of Ranad Ek, which is a new invention in the field of Thai musical instrument, is effective as a replacement of wooden resonator, since wood is a rare material these days. The researcher also found that there are some problems in using resin  to make resonator. For example, it has low durability; it is a heavy material, making it difficult to move the instrument; it is fragile; and it is not resistant to heat so its shape would change when exposed to heat. Therefore, the resonator has to be produced by using resin mixed with other materials or using glazed resin which is lighter and more durable. This research is the making of an innovative invention that produce values and produces a new job that Thai traditional musicians and Thai musical instrument producers can develop and use to add values to Thai traditional music. The idea behind the invention of resin resonator for Ranad Ek is to find another material to replace wood, a usual material for making resonator. Today, wood is much more expensive than in the past and it is also hard to find. Thus, making a resonator of Ranad Ek from resin is an alternative way that one can use in replacement of wooden resonator.

          In terms of sound quality, it was found that resin resonator gives a louder and clearer sound than wooden resonator. However, that does not mean it gives a more beautiful sound, only louder and clearer. This is because the floor of resin resonator is flatter than that of wooden resonator. The researcher has found the following advantages and disadvantages that can be used in the future development of Ranad Ek resonator production.

Advantages

1. Ranad Ek resonator can be produced more quickly.


2. It is easier to train people to produce resin resonators than to train them to produce wooden resonators. It is also an easier job to create for the community.


3. Resin resonator of Ranad Ek is more beautiful when decorated with patterns. This adds good values to the art of Thai musical instruments.

          4. We can reduce the use of natural resources and reduce the cutting of trees.