Myanmar Music

Harp (or) Myanma Saung

A "harp" is called Saung in Myanmar. There basically was 2 types: Byat Saung and Saung Gauk (bent harp). There almost is nobody who can play byat saungs these days. Today saung generally refers to the bent harp illustrated above.

In 10th century AD, musicians used only 5 strings in Myanmar harp, which later increased to 7 strings in 18th century. During King Bodaw Pharar the art of playing harp was much promoted by the king and was improved to using up to 13 strings.

Composition of a Myanmar Harp Can you imagine how it is made of? The composition of Myanmar harps is very interesting. The body is made of padauk, the famous Myanmar mahogany. The flat bar is made of cutch wood. It is covered with the leather of a female deer. And the strings are made of silk!