Ranat ek lek
# Ranat ek lek

The ranat ek lek (Thai: ระนาดเอกเหล็ก, pronounced) is a metallophone used in the classical music of Thailand. It is the smaller of the two sizes of Thai metallophone; the larger one is called ranat thum lek.

This musical instrument was originated in the reign of King Rama IV (1854-1868).

The ranat ek lek consists of flat metal slabs placed over a rectangular wooden resonator. It is played with two bamboo sticks with padded ends.

The ranat ek lek is very similar to the Khmer roneat dek.

