"... Myanmar harp is said to be used starting from Pyu period. According to records, it was played abroad by Myanmar musicians in about 9 century AD. Though the shape of it has changed in the successive ages, the basic shape has not changed. The harp was used in Bagan Period (10-13 Century AD). We can still see the figure of harp in a mural at the Ananda Temple, one of famous pagodas in Bagan. One note-worthy fact in Konbaung Period (1752-1885 AD) is that professional and amateur harpists used to write letters such as "karaweik Than" (The voice of Karaweik bird), Mya Chu Than (the voice of an emerald jingle) and "Zinwazo Than" (The voice of swift bird) at the place "phala" at the back of their harps. Saung was played well at courts. It was cherished and appreciated by kings, queens, ministers and courtiers. Prominent harpists were Nat Shin Naung, the king of Taungoo, Ma Mya Galay, the queen of western palace and Myawaddy Mingyi U Sa, a minister. Myanmar songs are performed with musical instruments played on the prescribed musical scales. Myanmar musical instruments are tuned primarily on Saung musical scales. Songs such as Kyo, Bwe, Thichin Khant, etc are played on Hnyin Lone scale. Patpyo, Lei Htwe Than Kut, Lokanat than, etc are played on Aukpyan scale, Bawlei, Yodia songs are played on Palei scale, Shit Sei Paw Tay Htat and Dain songs are played on Myin Saing scale. In ancient time, three strings were used. Later, it became seven. In Konbon Period, Myawaddy Mingyi U Sa, the then noted minister invented 13 strings. Later a harpist by the name of Saya Nyein invented 14 strings. During the second world war, the then famous harpist Alanka Kyaw Zwa U Ba Than used 16 strings adding two more stings. The added two strings are called Done Kyo..."