| Ranat ek lek | |
| Classification: | Percussion (metallophone) |
| Related: | Roneat dek, ranat ek, ranat thum lek |
The ranat ek lek (Thai: ระนาดเอกเหล็ก, in Thai pronounced as /ranâːt ʔèːk lèk/) 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).[1]
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.