Laotian musical instruments

thumb|250px|right|A khaen player in Isan

thumb|250px|Isan phin. The phin (, ) (, ) is a type of lute with a pear-shaped body, originating in the Isan region of Thailand and played mostly by ethnic Laotians in Thailand and Laos. It has frets on the neck over which two or three metal strings run that are plucked by a pick held in the right hand while playing. It is often played together with the khene mouth organ in mor lam styled music, as well as luk thung.

thumb|right|A butterfly-shape khim with two hammers|270x270px The khim ( ; ;  ) is a stringed musical instrument derived from the Mesopotamian or Persian Santur. It is similar to the Hammered Dulcimer or Cimbalom. This khim was introduced to Thailand from China, where a similar (though, since the late 20th century, usually larger) instrument is called yangqin. It is played with two flexible bamboo sticks with soft leather at the tips to produce a soft tone. This instrument can be played by either sitting down on the floor with the khim on the floor, or by sitting on a chair or standing while t