Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) 🇻🇳 – The Soul of Vietnamese Folk Music Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) 🇻🇳 – The Soul of Vietnamese Folk Music
Vietnamese Book & Craft
Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) 🇻🇳 – The Soul of Vietnamese Folk Music
🎵 Introduction to Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is a traditional plucked string instrument originating from Asia, widely developed and cherished in countries such as Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea. In Vietnam, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has become an integral part of folk music life, often featured in performances, festivals, Ca Tru, and other cultural activities of the people.
Its clear, resonant sound evokes peace and carries a strong breath of folk culture, making it a unique cultural symbol of Vietnam. Today, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has also been innovated to harmonize with modern music genres, ranging from folk songs, Tai Tu music, and Cai Luong opera to jazz, pop, and even rock.
✨ VHSECO proudly brings the cultural values and craftsmanship of Vietnamese Dan Tranh artisans to traditional instrument lovers around the world. 🌍🎶
"Listen to the melodies of the Dan Tranh through the folk song 'Người ơi, người ở đừng về' (Oh Beloved, Please Don’t Leave) – a heartfelt tune deeply connected to the soul of the Vietnamese countryside."
📜 History of the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is believed to have been introduced from China between the 11th and 14th centuries. Initially, it had 9 strings, later evolving into 15 and then 16 strings. During the Ly–Tran dynasties, it was known as Thap Ly Huyen Cam. By the 15th century under King Le Thanh Tong, it was used in royal court music. In the 19th century, during the Nguyen dynasty, it became widespread with 16 strings, then called Thap Luc Huyen Cam.
Over the centuries, Vietnamese musicians localized the instrument, creating unique styles of tuning, plucking, and ornamentation techniques. As a result, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) developed a distinctly Vietnamese identity, different from China’s Guzheng or Japan’s Koto.
Today, besides the traditional 15- and 16-string versions, Vietnam also has Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) with 17, 19, and even 21 strings, offering wider tonal ranges and more expressive capabilities.
🛠️ Structure of the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has a long, box-shaped body with a trapezoidal frame, measuring about 110–120 cm in length.
· Large end: 25–30 cm wide, with tuning pegs and string holes.
· Small end: 15–20 cm wide, fitted with 16–25 tuning pegs.
· Soundboard: usually made of thin Paulownia wood (about 0.5 cm), slightly arched for resonance.
· Bridge (con nhan): placed in the middle, adjustable for pitch.
· Strings: originally made of silk, later nylon or copper, and now mostly steel-wound for bright, lasting tones.
High-quality Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) are often crafted from rosewood, padauk, or ebony for the body, while Paulownia is used for the soundboard, producing long-lasting resonance.
🎶 How to Play the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The performer wears plectra (made of tortoiseshell, metal, or horn) on three fingers of the right hand (thumb, index, and middle) to pluck the strings. The left hand applies expressive techniques:
· Pressing strings: creates vibrato and depth.
· Glissando (slide): produces flowing, rising and falling tones.
· Rapid plucking (tremolo): creates a soft, shimmering effect.
· Sweeping the strings: produces resonant, lyrical sounds.
Thanks to these techniques, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) can convey cheerful and bright melodies as well as lyrical Ngam Tho (poetic recitation), Cai Luong opera, and royal court music.
🎼 Popular Types of Zithers
· Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither): traditional 16 strings; modern versions with 17, 19, or 21 strings.
· Chinese Guzheng: 21–25 strings, with a broad tonal range.
· Japanese Koto: 13 strings, closely tied to Japanese court music.
· Korean Gayageum: 12 strings, used in both court and folk music.
🌟 Cultural Value and Significance
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is not just a musical instrument—it is the soul of Vietnamese music. It has been part of the Vietnamese spiritual life for centuries, from imperial courts to rural villages, from Ca Tru and Nha Nhac (court music) to Southern Tai Tu ensembles.
Its pure, lingering sound brings peace and sacredness, acting as a bridge between the past and present, helping preserve and spread Vietnamese cultural identity.
The Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is a traditional instrument that embodies both artistic beauty and deep spiritual value. For centuries, it has maintained its role in traditional music while also proving its adaptability in modern music.
👉 If you wish to explore the richness of Vietnamese music and culture, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is the perfect instrument to begin your journey.
Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) 🇻🇳 – The Soul of Vietnamese Folk Music
🎵 Introduction to Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is a traditional plucked string instrument originating from Asia, widely developed and cherished in countries such as Vietnam, China, Japan, and Korea. In Vietnam, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has become an integral part of folk music life, often featured in performances, festivals, Ca Tru, and other cultural activities of the people.
Its clear, resonant sound evokes peace and carries a strong breath of folk culture, making it a unique cultural symbol of Vietnam. Today, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has also been innovated to harmonize with modern music genres, ranging from folk songs, Tai Tu music, and Cai Luong opera to jazz, pop, and even rock.
✨ VHSECO proudly brings the cultural values and craftsmanship of Vietnamese Dan Tranh artisans to traditional instrument lovers around the world. 🌍🎶
"Listen to the melodies of the Dan Tranh through the folk song 'Người ơi, người ở đừng về' (Oh Beloved, Please Don’t Leave) – a heartfelt tune deeply connected to the soul of the Vietnamese countryside."
📜 History of the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is believed to have been introduced from China between the 11th and 14th centuries. Initially, it had 9 strings, later evolving into 15 and then 16 strings. During the Ly–Tran dynasties, it was known as Thap Ly Huyen Cam. By the 15th century under King Le Thanh Tong, it was used in royal court music. In the 19th century, during the Nguyen dynasty, it became widespread with 16 strings, then called Thap Luc Huyen Cam.
Over the centuries, Vietnamese musicians localized the instrument, creating unique styles of tuning, plucking, and ornamentation techniques. As a result, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) developed a distinctly Vietnamese identity, different from China’s Guzheng or Japan’s Koto.
Today, besides the traditional 15- and 16-string versions, Vietnam also has Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) with 17, 19, and even 21 strings, offering wider tonal ranges and more expressive capabilities.
🛠️ Structure of the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) has a long, box-shaped body with a trapezoidal frame, measuring about 110–120 cm in length.
· Large end: 25–30 cm wide, with tuning pegs and string holes.
· Small end: 15–20 cm wide, fitted with 16–25 tuning pegs.
· Soundboard: usually made of thin Paulownia wood (about 0.5 cm), slightly arched for resonance.
· Bridge (con nhan): placed in the middle, adjustable for pitch.
· Strings: originally made of silk, later nylon or copper, and now mostly steel-wound for bright, lasting tones.
High-quality Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) are often crafted from rosewood, padauk, or ebony for the body, while Paulownia is used for the soundboard, producing long-lasting resonance.
🎶 How to Play the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither)
The performer wears plectra (made of tortoiseshell, metal, or horn) on three fingers of the right hand (thumb, index, and middle) to pluck the strings. The left hand applies expressive techniques:
· Pressing strings: creates vibrato and depth.
· Glissando (slide): produces flowing, rising and falling tones.
· Rapid plucking (tremolo): creates a soft, shimmering effect.
· Sweeping the strings: produces resonant, lyrical sounds.
Thanks to these techniques, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) can convey cheerful and bright melodies as well as lyrical Ngam Tho (poetic recitation), Cai Luong opera, and royal court music.
🎼 Popular Types of Zithers
· Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither): traditional 16 strings; modern versions with 17, 19, or 21 strings.
· Chinese Guzheng: 21–25 strings, with a broad tonal range.
· Japanese Koto: 13 strings, closely tied to Japanese court music.
· Korean Gayageum: 12 strings, used in both court and folk music.
🌟 Cultural Value and Significance
The Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is not just a musical instrument—it is the soul of Vietnamese music. It has been part of the Vietnamese spiritual life for centuries, from imperial courts to rural villages, from Ca Tru and Nha Nhac (court music) to Southern Tai Tu ensembles.
Its pure, lingering sound brings peace and sacredness, acting as a bridge between the past and present, helping preserve and spread Vietnamese cultural identity.
The Vietnamese Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is a traditional instrument that embodies both artistic beauty and deep spiritual value. For centuries, it has maintained its role in traditional music while also proving its adaptability in modern music.
👉 If you wish to explore the richness of Vietnamese music and culture, the Dan Tranh (Vietnamese Zither) is the perfect instrument to begin your journey.
Returns Policy
You may return or exchange most new, unused items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
If the return is due to our error (for example, you received an incorrect or defective item), Vietnamese Book & Craft will cover all return shipping costs.
You can expect to receive your refund within four weeks after sending your package back, although in many cases you’ll receive it sooner. This period includes:
- 5–10 business days for the package to reach us,
- 3–5 business days for us to process your return,
- and 5–10 business days for your bank to finalize the refund.
To request a return, simply log into your account, view your order under the “My Orders” section, and click the “Request Return” button. We’ll notify you by email once your refund has been processed.
Shipping
We ship worldwide. Please note that some products may have shipping restrictions depending on destination regulations or carrier limitations.
When you place an order, we’ll estimate shipping and delivery times based on product availability and the shipping method you choose. Estimated delivery details will appear during checkout.
Shipping rates are weight-based. The weight of each item can be found on its product page, and all weights are rounded up according to the policies of our shipping partners.
Returns Policy
You may return or exchange most new, unused items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
If the return is due to our error (for example, you received an incorrect or defective item), Vietnamese Book & Craft will cover all return shipping costs.
You can expect to receive your refund within four weeks after sending your package back, although in many cases you’ll receive it sooner. This period includes:
- 5–10 business days for the package to reach us,
- 3–5 business days for us to process your return,
- and 5–10 business days for your bank to finalize the refund.
To request a return, simply log into your account, view your order under the “My Orders” section, and click the “Request Return” button. We’ll notify you by email once your refund has been processed.
Shipping
We ship worldwide. Please note that some products may have shipping restrictions depending on destination regulations or carrier limitations.
When you place an order, we’ll estimate shipping and delivery times based on product availability and the shipping method you choose. Estimated delivery details will appear during checkout.
Shipping rates are weight-based. The weight of each item can be found on its product page, and all weights are rounded up according to the policies of our shipping partners.
