Raj nplaim Suab Laus are even larger than the traditionl raj nplaim qab ntev flutes typical in traditional Hmong music. These are expertly crafted by Vahcha Lor in Luang Prabang, Laos, and are extremeley hard to find. In making their flutes, HMong artisans only use very specific species of bamboo with long internodal structures. This ensures the look and sound of HMoob raj, but also puts a constraint on the physical size of HMong instruments—limited by the size of the species of bamboo in relation to the traditional desired look for the instruments—meaning raj nplaim suab laus are the largest size raj nplaim are made in.
Raj Nplaim Suab Laus | Hmong Bass Free-Reed Flute
These raj nplaim measure between 43 inches (109 cm) and 45 inches (114 cm) long and approximately 1.5 inch (4 cm) in diameter/thickness.
The free–reed is made from hand-smithed brass, the body of the flute is made from dried and cured bamboo.