Krachappi

The krachappi, also spelled grajabpi, is plucked, fretted lute of Thailand, used in central Thai classical music. It has four strings in two courses that are plucked with a plectrum and are constructed of teak or jackfruit wood. It can be played by holding the wand, which is composed of thin wooden planks, in your right hand and flicking the wires in and out while pressing the string with your left finger. Krachappi usually plays in a band called Mahori with four to eight instruments.

The Department of Cultural Promotion listed the krachappi as a cultural heritage in 2011. The krachappi is an ancient Thai instrument and has been with the Thai people for over a century. The appearance, playing method, and song of krachappi are all associated with Thai history. Thai music instruments are divided into 4 groups, namely, strum, string, percussion, and brass.