1ST Runner Up NortheastPICH Coiled Bamboo GuitarApplying traditional lacquerware wisdom to an international musical instrument
Tonsom Studio Part., Ltd.
Khon Kaen
Brand : Pich Coiled Bamboo Guitar
“Lacquerware” craftsmanship was traditionally used to make utensils in Thailand before its popularity dropped, and artisans began applying their expertise to creating decorations and souvenirs. With widespread usage of lacquerware dropping, this valuable folk wisdom also began disappearing from society.
However, some people continued trying to preserve the art, which also included using coiled strips of bamboo to create beautiful shapes and patterns before painting it with lacquer.
Ms.Pichrawee Suraareekul, managing partner of Tonsom Studio Part., Ltd. manufacturer and distributor of coiled bamboo guitars under the PICH brand, took note of this pain point and the concept of preserving Thailand’s beautiful traditional art. This inspired the creation of the
“coiled bamboo guitar”, which is not just unique to look at but produces standard sound and is an item of interest for collectors.
The company won a gold medal for innovation when it first presented the coiled bamboo guitar at the Seoul International Invention Fair in the South Korean capital in 2019.
“The creation of the coiled bamboo guitar is based on extensive research and innovative ideas on preserving ancient Thai wisdom. We looked at what the coiled bamboo could be turned into. We took note of the strength of bamboo that is coiled together, took note of the beauty and the process of making it, which makes it more special that ordinary wickerwork.
“All these three characteristics were taken into account when we were deciding what product we could create. What came to mind was furniture, decorative items and musical instruments. We wanted this wisdom to be close to people, so we decided to use the coiled bamboo to create guitars. This is because for a guitarist, the instrument is part of their home so they can pick it up to strum a few chords at any time. Also, the guitar will be noticed when people visit the house.“Once we decided to create guitars, we called on artisans to try and mold it using traditional methods and traditional materials, with our machinery on hand to complement their work. The next step was passing it on to guitar makers, who turned the coiled bamboo into standard guitars in terms of sound, size and durability.
“Hence, the coiled bamboo guitars are created in collaboration between three groups of people: coiled bamboo manufacturers, guitar makers, and a design company, which is us.”In the future, the company plans to produce coiled bamboo guitars that are ready to ship to customers who do not want to wait for made-to-order products. PICH, previously, only had the capacity to produce about 10 to 12 guitars a month, which left the company with the only option of focusing on a niche market that could consume guitars worth about 28,000 to 35,000 baht.
InnovationThe traditional bamboo coiling technique normally used for lacquerware is now being applied to the creation of guitars and ukuleles. The musical instruments are made by putting strips of bamboo - Haya bamboo in this case - together until a suitable thickness is achieved and a beautiful frame can be formed. The coiled bamboo is thick enough to absorb reverberations and create a beautifully unique sound. These guitars and ukuleles are of international standard and create value by combining tradition with technology and innovation.
GrowthThe company plans to expand production to a semi-industrial level by building up a stock of ready-to-ship products that meet the needs of buyers who do not want to wait for made-to-order items. This will also reduce production costs and bring down the price tag, so more people can afford to purchase these unique guitars.
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