Krapeu

A krapeu (takhe)

The krapeu (Khmer: ក្រពើ; also called takhe, Khmer: តាខេ) is a crocodile-shaped fretted floor zither from Cambodia with three strings.

The word krapeu means "alligator" or "crocodile" in the Khmer language. It is probably the most recent of the Khmer classical instruments. The takhe usually has three to five legs supporting it. When performing, the player sits beside the instrument. The left hand runs up and down the strings, while the right hand plucks them using a plectrum. The takhe is used for wedding music, A-yai, and Chapei music as well as modern music.

The krapeu is analogous to the Thai jakhe; both are used in the mahori ensemble. It is also similar to the Indian vina, Burmese mi gyaung, and the Mon kyam.

External links

• Krapeu page

See also

• Traditional Cambodian musical instruments
• Music of Cambodia
• Traditional Thai instruments