BaHu
This Chinese reed instrument looks like a normal side blown bamboo flute, but has a copper reed in the square mouth piece, similar to that of the Xiao. The sound is between a flute and a harmonica. This is an instrument of south minority cultures, brought into use in 1960s. With only 9 tones, it produces mellow and charming sounds. The BaHu is popular among the Miao, the Hani, the Yi, the Tai and other minority groups in the Yunnan province of China.
|
|
BanHu
Two stringed Chinese violin" The huqin family includes similar instruments called erhu, zhonghu, gaohusihu and jinghu. Has a wooded head. used primarily in North China. Popularized in the 17th Century during the Qing Dynasty.
|
Cha Cymbals
Popularized during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. Now made from high tin bronze. Performer strikes the pair together. Commonly used in Peking Opera.
|
Dagu
The largest drum originated in ancient times from the Han people in China. Head is made of stretched Ox skin.
|
|
ErHu
Two stringed Chinese violin" The huqin family includes similar instruments called banhu, zhonghu, gaohu, sihu and jinghu. Originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Very popular with horsehair bow. Snakeskin head use is environmentally controversial.
|
|
HuLuSi
The Hulusi is a free reed wind instrument from China. It was originally used primarily in the Yunan province by the Dai and other non-Han ethnic groups, but is now played throughout China. Hulusi has a very pure, clarinet-like sound. |
|
JingHu
Highest pitch, 2 string Chinese violin. The huqin family includes similar instruments caleld Erhu, Zhonghu, Gaohu, Sihu and Banhu. Used primarily in Bejing area, performs melodies and coordinates with vocal parts. |
|
Lu Qing
A fretted lute with four strings is a close relative of the European lute, Middle Eastern lute and the Japanese Biwa. Came to China from Central Asia by way of the "Silk Road" in the 5th Century. Popularized during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Played with a pick. |
MuYu Blocks
A hollow carved block of wood originally used to accompany Buddhist chants. First written account during Ming Dynasty (1398-1644). |
|
Pipa
A fretted lute with dour strings is a close relative of the European lute, Middle Eastern lute and the Japanese Biwa. Came to China from Central Asia by way of the "Silk Road" in the 5th Century. Popularized during the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD). Played with a pick. |
|
Ruan
Ruan (Yuan) is a moon-shaped short necked lute dating back to (140-97BC). The name is a shortened form of Ruan Xian, a musician and one of the "Seven Sages of Bamboo Grove" of the 3rd Century. The Ruan is now constructed as a family of soprano, alto, tenor and bass, a development intended to increase its range and effectiveness in the modern Chinese orchestra. |
|
San Xuan
3-string, snake skin banjo. Popular use on traditional Chinese opera. |
|
Sheng
Bamboo pipe (mouth) organ. Each pipe has a brass reed similar to the Western harmonica. Invented in China about 3,000 years ago. First appeared in 551 BC during the Zhou Dynasty. |
|
Suona
Chinese Oboe/Trumpet. First appeared in the Wei and Jin period (200-420). Popularized in the Zhengde period (1506-1520) of the Ming Dynasty. |
Tong Luo
Gongs come in many sizes and pitches. They are said to have originated in the land between Tibet and Berma. Mentioned in the writings of Emperor Hsuan Wu (500-516AD).
|
|
Xiao
Vertical flute popularized in the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Produces a soft and delicate tone. Notched at top of flute. |
Yang Qin
Yan Qin, the hammered dulcimer is found in many countries worldwide; Europe, the Americas, Asian and the Middle East. Its appearance in China occured sometime during the Ming Dynasty (1398-1644). |
Zheng (Guzheng, Zither, Koto)
Chinese forefunner of the Japanese koto and the Korean kayagum. Originated 2,300 years ago. One of the oldest plucked string instruments in China. |
Zhudi
Horizontal Flute. Invented in the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD) and named "Seven Star Tube." Popularized in the Tuan Dynasty (1279-1368 AD). Played with a rice paper diaphragm. |
Please call or e-mail for prices, local availability and convenient price.
|
|
