Thai national artist invents first fiber glass-music instrument in the world

Thai national artist invents first fiber glass-music instrument in the world

Thai National Artist Manop Kaewbucha has invented Thai traditional music instrument, xylophone and gong made of fiber glass, as the world first such inventions, which help to reduce the use of natural materials and keeping the production prices down.

Mr. Manop, a National Artist in Sculpture 2006 said that in the past Thai traditional music instruments mostly were made of wood. At present, forest resources had decreased, therefore he had an idea to use fiber glass for the instruments in the place of wood.

The material used is a mixture of polyester resin and fiber glass, resulting in a strong, flexible, weatherproof, chemical substance-proof and light material, comparable to a reinforced concrete. It differs from plastic and is much cheaper than wood, therefore it would help popularize the Thai traditional music instrument more widely.

Such gong and xylophone made of fiber glass, had been invented for the first time in the world.

Permanent Secretary for Culture Weera Rojphotjanarat said that the invention was a good beginning to promote Thai classical music among Thai children and people. The Culture Ministry therefore fully support the use of fiber glass in the production of Thai traditional musical instruments. Moreover. it would help create jobs for artists and lower prices of musical instruments as well.

National News Bureau of Thailand
08 March 2009