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Minh Tam Nguyen's ‘Ðàn Tre' (bamboo musical instrument)

Minh Tam Nguyen1981

National Museum of Australia

National Museum of Australia
Canberra, Australia

Bamboo hybrid musical instrument called a Ðàn Tre. The instrument has 23 800mm-long wire strings attached to a bamboo tube. An Australian-made metal hose-clamp is around the top rim. An Australian 'DANTE' brand rectangular four-litre olive oil tin, which acts as a resonator, is strapped to the base of the tube with two metal hose clamps. The strings are attached to Australian-made stainless steel tuning keys created from screw assemblies, and each string has an individual bridge made of wood. Sound holes have been drilled around the body and some of them have been filled in.

The instrument has been inscribed with details of its musical interpretation. European notation has been written on the bamboo in red pencil, with a guide to the relevant string numbers given in lead pencil. This would act as a guide for playing and tuning the instrument.

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  • Title: Minh Tam Nguyen's ‘Ðàn Tre' (bamboo musical instrument)
  • Creator: Minh Tam Nguyen
  • Date: 1981
  • Location: Philippines & Australia
  • Material: Bamboo, Metal - non specific, Stainless steel, Wood
  • External Link: National Museum of Australia Collection Explorer, Collection highlights
  • Dimensions: W 168mm x H 880mm x D 370mm
  • Credit: Donated by Minh Tam Nguyen
  • Collection: Minh Nguyen collection National Museum of Australia
National Museum of Australia

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