Description: The Bin or Punji is a free-reed aerophone that is found all over in many different regions throughout India and it can also be found in the Indian Diaspora of Malaysia. Throughout India the bin is the main instrument of snake-charmers. Although the snakes do not hear the musical instrument they do respond by feeling the vibrations of the bin. Both names “Bin” or “punji” are used interchangeably to describe this instrument. To play the bin circular breathing is required.  The bin is either played solo or accompanied by other bins or percussion.  

Anatomy of the Bin: The construction of the bin starts with a gourd and two playing tubes cut from bamboo. Both playing tubes have six finger holes. The playing tubes are created separately from the gourd. A hole is cut into the gourd thus allowing the attachment of the playing tubes. Both reeds are inserted into gourd completely and then covered with beeswax to enclose the air-chamber. Both tubes are cut from a nodal point and then the finger holes are cut and burnt into the tubes. The length and size of the bin does vary. They can range from 1 foot or 2 feet in approximate length.