GPD046 นายแก้วมา พิณโนเอก

Nai GaewMa was a blind man, aged 64, who lived in the same village as Nai Mawk, the Pia player. His only instrument was the Salaw fiddle, which he played with modest skill. He knew quite a large number of tunes. He did not make a living by his playing, but he said he did play for people around the village as he was needed. He was supported by his family. His Salaw was very high pitched and he played with a “scratchy” tone. Lanna musicians were of a mixed opinion whether or not this “scratchiness” was desirable or not. He grasped the bow in the “overhanded” position like a cello bow. Most Salaw players used the “underhanded” position as string bass players do.