The Malay serunai is a reed wind instrument, with a quadruple reed made from
rice stalk. The body has 7 front finger holes and 1 at the back. Circular
breathing technique is used so that once a melody is started it does not stop
until the tune ends. (Matusky 1985).
The "serunai daun kelapa" is made from coconut leaves and is
shaped like a horn. It was designed during the olden days by the Malay
community, to communicate with its sound.
The "serunai batang padi" is made from padi stems. Part of
the serunai from which sound is produced is the same like the "double reed"
instruments in the Middle East.
This serunai is held vertically and is blown at the smaller end. It is usually
played by children, who play the experimental music inspired from wayang kulit
and silat songs. (Nik Mustapha, 1998).
