Description: A
Sahanai is a conical oboe and classified as a double reed aerophone.
Found in Nepal s played it is played amongst the damai caste or tailor
musicians. Close relatives include the the double reed instruments in
India most notably the shenai and a variation of this instrument found
in Uttar Pradesh. The name sahanai is thought to derive from Indian and
Persian sources. It is believed the candidate for the origins of the
Sahanai is likely an earlier form of Central Asian double reed oboe
called a naubat that was played in military bands called Naqqarakhana.
In Nepal the Sahanai are traditionally played in pairs. The first
sahanai performs the melodic line and the second sahanai provides
accompaniment Circular breathing is used to play this instrument.
Anatomy of the Sahanai: The sahanai has a total of 8 finger fingers that is 7 finger holes and a thumb hole. It has a conical bore made from a lathed wooden body, and flared brass bell is affixed to the bottom. Nails are delicately hammered in and serve as ornaments. This instrument maybe constructed in a straight or curved form. The reed of the Sahanai is constructed from a thin cane type plant in which its folded multiple number of times. The reed is wrapped around a small brass tube with coloured thread. Should the reed crack it can be replaced.