The “Saung” has become well-known all around the world for its unparallel style and shape and its nerve-smoothing, sometimes ever hypnotic sound. When the craftman prepares to make the harp, first of all the curved mast is attached to the bow of the “Saung”.

Next, the leather to be put on the harp’s boat-shaped body, is nailed firmly. Then, the leather is attached to the bow of the harp. It is important and necessary to have the leather in place tautly, so that the sounds will come-out sweet sounding and melodically. After the leather is put on the harp, the harp is then put out in the sun, left to be dry, for a whole day. Later on, the large nails which hold the leather in place are then removed and small mails are substituted.

Then the mixture of lacquer, burnt paddy husk and chalk and powder from the 'In' tree which have been pounded to a fine powder is applied to the bow of the harp and then kept to dry, for two days. Then the above mentioned mixture is then heated, to make the mixture, more sticky and then they are rolled into small strips and then attached to the harp, creating all sorts of floral designs.
This step takes time and patience on the part of the craftman, as it is a very intricate job. Then the designs are left to dry out for 3 whole nights. After that the ornamented glass mosaics are stick-on between the floral designs which is also, a very intricate job with much patience required.
Next, the leather on the bow of the harp is cleaned and then lacquer is painted on and then the stomach of the harp is cleaned and lacquer is painted on to the other parts of the harp. Then gold paint is painted on. A special brush is used to rub-on the gold foil and the floral designs look very elegant when covered with gold.

When the paint was painted on to the harp, the ornamented glass-mosaics were covered. The craftman, now has time-taking job of removing the paint over the glass-mosaics in order to make then re-appear. Then the mart of the harp is polished using a glass. Later on sand-paper will be used to polish the mast.

Four small holes are drilled in the leather and they are known as “angel-holes”. These holes pick-up the sounds made from the harp strings and send them towards the bow of the harp which turn-out sweet, pure and harmonious sounds.

Next, is the procedure of attaching the strings to the harp. They can be 13, 14 or 16 strings, according to the request of the customer. The harp strings are usually made of silk cords or twine. The thickness of thinners of the string depends on the high or low note produced. The procedure of attaching the harp strings have to be done systematically.

The tassels on the mast are picked to match with the colour painted on the leather. A stand or pedestal has to be made to keep the harp on display when it is not being played. While we were on shooting we interviewed the owner of a traditional harp making company and asked about her business and she has this to say.

The Myanmar “Saung” our own version of the harp is a musical instrument, not only unique and graceful in its appearance but has a sweet, pleasant and harmonious sound. It can smooth the minds of the listeners when romantic love songs or songs praising the splendour of nature, virtues of kings and the heroism of warriors are played on it.