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Ala

The ala is a free reed of the Bahnar people of the Central Highlands of Vietnam, used for entertainment and personal pleasure. The fibre reed is mounted on a small block of wood, and tied in place with a string. It has three finger holes, but other pitches and vibrato can be produced by moving the fingers over the open ends of the pipe. This instrument is played by inhaling only.

Country: Vietnam
Region: South East Asia
Type: Free-reed

Ala - a free reed of the Bahnar people of Vietnam
©  R. Raine-Reusch, May 2002