Other flat bridged instruments 3
In the Japanese Shamisen, for example, the sound quality is produced by the first, or lowest string, which is purposefully laid lower than the rest of the strings at the nut of the instrument. This placement of the string allows the string not only to have a characteristic buzzy timbre, but it also allows it to resonate sympathetically when the other strings are plucked. In modern versions of the instrument, the neck of the shamisen is equipped with an adjustment device, seen in the photo below under the first string. It allows the player to raise or lower a small bridge under the first string at will, thereby adjusting the quality of the "sawari." The device itself is often called "sawari" by shamisen players and makers.
The jakhay is an instrument that is also used in other countries of South East Asia. In Cambodia it is called takhe, or charakhe or usually krapeu. In Burma it is called mi-gyaung. It has a brass bridge as seen in the photo.
