The Dan Ty Ba is a four-string instrument of Chinese origin which is frequently present
in a traditional orchestra. Its soundbox is shaped like a pear cut
in half lengthwise. Its soundboard is made of unvarnished light
wood, and its back is made of hard wood with a slightly convex surface.
The neck is short and tightly fixed to the soundbox. Originally
the neck bore no frets; now, however, it has four frets in addition
to eight others on the soundboard and two under the strings with
the highest pitch.
The
frets stand low and close to each other following the heptatonic
scale. The instrument has four pegs for tuning. The strings, formerly
of twisted silk, are now made of plastic.
The player uses a plectrum which she holds in her right hand and
plucks either upward or downward in a quick run.
The technique for left hand, which presses the strings, includes
glissando, staccato, arpeggio and tremolo. The Dan Ty Ba music is
light and cheerful. The instrument is played solo or as part of
an orchestra or a band accompanying the singing of Hue melodies
or cai luong operas.
Ty Ba recitals are well liked by music lovers at home and abroad.
Though related to the Japanese biwa and the Chinese pipa, the Ty
Ba has a personality of its own.
