Raj Nplooj, Ob lub Qhov | Two Hole "Leaf" Flute
These are raj nplooj made by me, Neng Thao, in Madison, Wisconsin, USA with bamboo sourced from Laos. Raj nplooj are also referred to as raj ob lub qhov, and raj nkauj see/ntxawm, because many people use them to imitate the HMoob musical languages of the leaf, they have two holes, and are used to play nkauj see songs, respectively. They can also be use to play Lus Taum tunes. They are similar to raj ntsaws, but do not require nearly as much precision control over one's breath, and only have two fingering holes. Traditionally, raj nplooj could also have three holes, but nowadays, two is more common—with the left hand used to control the finger holes and the right hand to extend the flute's musical range into the lower notes. Thus this instrument, although small, still requires 2 hands to play!
PRODUCT INFO
These raj nplooj measure between 6 inches (15 cm) and 8 inches (21 cm) in length, and approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Fully constructed from bamboo and hardwood.
RETURN AND REFUND POLICY
If your package is lost/damaged during delivery, I will replace it free of charge. Upon arrival, please check to ensure everything is okay and notify me immediately if otherwise. If a package arrives damaged, I may require it sent back to me–and a refund/replacement will be issued when the item is returned—I will pay for return shipping. Bamboo and wood instruments are prone to cracking if you salivate into the instrument too much when playing, causing it to expand unevenly, if it is exposed to rapid changes in temperature/humidity in your home and care, etc. If you have played your instrument, I cannot honor a return due to small cracks that develop that do not affect the sound—again, due to the nature of wood and bamboo. However, if big splitting cracks happen, I will replace it free of charge. However, I cannot offer a return in any case after a month of you receiving the instrument—again due to the nature of instruments being in your care and exposed to any of the above mentioned conditions. Lastly, instruments can crack from consistent and strong vibration from the reed, thus, all raj, qeej, etc. will eventually crack with time—poor sounding instruments are actually likely to last longer because the reed produces weak vibrations and sounds. Wear and tear is the nature of bamboo and wood. It is not a question of "if," but "when" your raj/qeej/etc will crack—all of this is affected by the variance in each piece of bamboo and wood, how often you do or do not play, the consistency of your playing, the climate where you reside, etc. But as the HMong saying goes, "tshuab thawg ntau lub thiaj keej, tshuab puas ob peb rab thiaj ua tau txiv qeej..."
SHIPPING INFORMATION
Free shipping within the US via USPS First Class/Priority Mail on orders over $50—estimated arrival within 3–5 business days, not guaranteed. Express shipping available for $45—guaranteed arrival in 1–2 business days, excluding your order day. If your order is late, click here for support from USPS.