Electric Phin in Modern Isan Music Culture: A Case Study of Mody Guitar Khon Kaen

Abstract

In this research investigation, the researcher examines the development of electric phin and Isan music culture in the case study of Mody Guitar Khon Kaen. The ethnomusicology research methods were employed with the focus on field work for observation and interviews with those related to electric phin including those playing phin and music instrument makers or those making phin. Findings showed that phin players have mixed western music culture with Isan music culture since 1974. This has resulted in phin makers having to change the phin-making process. Electric phin has then been invented. Warakorn Kongsuk (Mod), a contemporary phin maker invented phin using the trademark as “Mody”. He is considered to have an important role in using all components of a guitar in the invention of electric phin. In this way he was instrumental in the passing on of the culture of contemporary electric phin making, to skilled craftsmen in the following generations.