Salo (instrument)

The salo (Thai: สะล้อ; also known as saw lo or salaw) is a traditional Thai two- or three-stringed spike fiddle native to the Lanna culture of northern Thailand. It is characterized by a small cylindrical resonator, often made from a coconut shell, a supporting neck, and a separate horsehair bow. It is used both as a solo instrument and the leading instrument in folk ensembles, most notably in the Salo Saw Sueng. The salo comes in three sizes; small, medium, and large, each with a distinct role within the ensemble. It is often played alongside the Lanna flute, to convey emotional expression and imitate human voice. The salo is a delicate instrument, as the type of surface it rests on during performance can affect its tone.