[ren]

This was done by a member of Quetzalcoatl forum. It's pretty detailed. She actually scanned it from a booklet. I thought it deserved more of an audience than Quetzlacoatl can offer.

http://s6.invisionfr...p?showtopic=623

The first 10 instruments in her post are below. 14 other ones can be found in the link above.

yuki-onna, on Feb 17 2006, 03:07 AM, said:

INSTRUMENTS OF ANCIENT CHINA

Gu Di 骨笛
Gu Di (bone flute) is a kind of wind instrument. It appeared in remote antiquity. 25 Wuyang bone flutes, unearthed in the Jiahu New Stone Age Sites in Wuyang county, Henan Province between 1986 and 1987, were made of crane limb bones 9,000-7,800 years ago. Most of these flutes have seven sound holes and are in 6-step or 7-step scale when played. This is the earliest tone instrument unearthed in China up to now.
The exhibit is a replica of the bone flute unearthed from Jiahu sites.




Xun 塤
An ancient wind instrument. It has been played up to now since its first appearance 6,000 years ago. It is usually made of pottery with a height not exceeding 10 cm. It either had 1 hole or 2,3,5,6,9 holes. Nowadays it has 10 holes. Normally it is played for solo.
The exhibits are copies of pottery Xun unearthed from the tomb of Fu Hao of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.).




Pottery Sound-ware 陶响器
An instrument during the New Stone Age ( 4,000-10,000 years ago.). The inside of the spherical ware is hollow, filled with small pottery balls or cobbles. It produces rustling sound when shaking. Probably it is a kind of toy or hanging ornament for ancient dancers.
The exhibits are copies of unearthed New Stone Age Pottery Sound-ware.




Bian Zhong 编钟
Bian Zhong (Bronze Chimes) is a set of bronze bells with outstanding characteristics. It is the symbol of ancient China’s “ritual music system”. It was originated from the instrument Nao of the Shang Dynasty (c.1600 B.C.-1046 B.C.) and first appeared in the Western Zhou Dynasty (1046 B.C.-771 B.C.).
Zenghouyi Bian Zhong (Bronze Bells of Marquis Yi of Zeng) was produced in the early Warring States Period (475 B.C.-221 B.C.). The discovery of Zenghouyi Bian Zhong (Bronze Chimes of Marquis Yi of Zeng) is the most important archaeological finding of ancient musical instruments in the 20th century. It consists of 65 bells and each can play two notes, with the sound range covering five ottave and a big second and constituting a semi-scale between three ottave. Zenghouyi Bian Zhong reflects the highest standards of science, technology, culture and art of the Pre- Qin period ( i.e. before 221B.C. when the First Emperor of Qin united China).
The exhibits are replicas of 12 unearthed Chime Bells. They can be played for music.




Pai Xiao 排箫
Pai Xiao(panpipes), a wind instrument, first appeared at the early stage of human civilization in China. The earliest Pai Xiao excavated up to now was made between the end of the Shang Dynasty and the beginning of the Zhou Dynasty (i.e. around 1046 B.C.). The two pieces of bamboo Pai Xiao unearthed from the tomb of Zeng Hou Yi have a history of over 2,400 years. It consists of 13 pipes arranged in the order of length and painted in colors on the surface.
The exhibit is a replica of Pai Xiao unearthed from the tomb of Zeng Hou Yi.




Bian Qing 编磬
Bian Qing (a set of unique chime stones) was originated in remote stone age, and was popular only in the Huanghe (Yellow) River basin in ancient times. It appeared in the late period of Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 B.C.). During the Spring and Autumn period, it was developed into a kind of fine tone instrument and was then widely used.
The exhibits are replicas of a set of 16 pieces of unearthed Bian Qing. They can be played for music with clear and melodious timbre.




Drum with Bird Frame and Tiger’s Feet 虎座鸟架鼓
An ancient percussion instrument. Pottey drums and wooden drums of ancient China have a history of more than 5,000 years. Drum with Bird Frame and Tiger’s Feet was popular in south China 2,500 years ago. The exhibit is a replica of the Wooden Drum with Bird Frame and Tiger’s Feet. The original was unearthed from No 1 tomb of Tianxingguan in Jianglin County, Hubei Province in 1978.




Se 瑟
Ancient plucked string instrument. It first appeared more than 3,000 years ago. There are many records about Se in Shijing (The Book of Songs, China’s first anthology of poetry). Se is usually in rectanglar shape with 23-25 strings. The body is made of wood , coated with lacquer and decorated with colourful animal designes. A total of 12 Se were unearthed from the tomb of Zenghouyi (Marquis Yi of Zeng) in Hubei Province. Up to now it is the largest in quantity, the most exquisite, and the best preserved Se unearthed.
The exhibit is a replica of one of the twelve unearthed Se.



Qin with 10 Strings 十弦琴
Ancient plucked string instrument with a history of over 3,000 years. In Shijing (The Book of Songs, China’s first anthology of poetry), Qin and Se (another ancient plucked string instrument) are often referred to as a whole, i.e. “Qin Se”. Qin with 10 strings was popular during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period (770-221B.C.) . The Qin with 10 strings unearthed from the tomb of Zenghouyi (Marquis Yi of Zeng) is the only one excavated up to date. This is a replica of that Qin.




WIND INSTRUMENTS

Xiao 箫
Xiao ( Chinese vertical bamboo flute), a wind instrument, appeared as early as the Han Dynasty (206-220 B.C.). Modern Xiao is 70-80 cm in length, with six holes and it could be used for solo, small-sized ensemble, instrumental music ensemble and accompaniment for operas.
The exhibit is a piece of Xiao made in 1950’s.

14 other instruments can be found here, http://s6.invisionfr...p?showtopic=623.

This post has been edited by rudeboy: 03 March 2006 - 08:08 PM

[General_Zhaoyun]

Great Info about traditional chinese instrument including their history..

[ren]

yuki-onna, on Feb 17 2006, 03:07 AM, said:

Zhu Di 竹笛
Zhu Di (Chinese horizontal bamboo flute), a wind instrument, appeared at least before the early Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.). Popular modern Zhu Di is made of fine textured black bamboo. It has a blowing hole, a membrane hole and six pressing holes. There are two kinds of Zhu Di: Qu Di and Bang Di.
Qu Di was named because it was played mainly for accompanying Kunqu Opera in ancient times. Qu Di is long and thick, and its sound is mellow and melodious.
Bang Di is shot and thin, about 40cm in length. The skill for playing Bang Di is almost the same as for Qu Di. Bang Di can produce high, dynamic and exciting sound..
The exhibit is the product of 1950’s.




Suo Na 嗩吶
Wind instrument. It was originated in Huanghe (Yellow) River and Changjiang (Yangtzi) River basins in ancient times and has been popular among the Chinese people. Its range covers two ottave and it is good for playing happy and cheerful compositions. It is played for solo, ensemble or accompanying songs and dances.
Hai Di is a kind of small Suo Na with 29 cm in height.
Please enjoy the elegant appearance and features of the Chinese folk music instrument Suo Na.




Guan Zi 管子
Wind instrument with reed. Guan Zi was also called Bi Li and Jia Guan in ancient times. The sizes of Guan Zi varies. The pipe of Guanzi is 18-24 cm long and made of wood or bamboo. It has eight or nine pressing holes. Large Guan Zi produces low, deep and sorrowful sound while the small one produces clear, full and dynamic sound.
The exhibit is a very popular type of Guan Zi, made of red sandalwood with exquisite craftsmanship.




Sheng 笙
Wind instrument with several pipes. It is made of bamboo. The embryonic form of Sheng appeared in the Shang Dynasty over 3,000 years ago. Sheng with 14 or 17 reeds is the most popular at present. With 48-80 cm in length, Sheng is used by folk music ensembles or for accompanying local operas of Han ethnic group.
The exhibit is a typical 14-reed Sheng, made in the first half of the 20 century.




Tong Qin 筒钦
Wind instrument popular in lama temples of Tibetan and Mongolian ethnic groups; Made of bronze; length 300 cm.; producing loud, rough and sacred sound mainly for religious ceremonies and other ritual occasions.
From the exhibit, one may appreciate the strong religious flavor and distinctive style of Tibetan culture.




Hu Lu Si 葫芦丝
Wind instrument. It has been handed down by the Dai and Yi ethnic groups in southwest China since a long time ago.
Hu Lu Si is 30 cm in length, with a calabash as sound box and having a blowing hole at the thin side of the calabash. Three different length of bamboo pipes with reed are inserted into the bottom of the calabash. Hu Lu Si is mainly used for solo or ensemble.
The style of the exhibit is still popular now.




BOWED STRING INSTRUMENTS

Er Hu 二胡
The most typical bowed stringed instrument of China. It appeared during the Tang and Song Dynasties and has a history of nearly 1,000 years. Modern Er Hu is around 82cm in length. Its sound box is made of expensive hard wood and one side of the box is covered with python skin. The bow is made of special reed bamboo strung with horsehair. Its range reaches two ottave and the sound it produces could be strong and soft as well. Er Hu always serves as a main instrument in traditional music orchestras and Si Zhu (string and wind) ensembles in China.
Er Hu on display is the product of 1950s.




Di Hu 低胡
Bowed stringed instrument. It is also called Da Hu or Da Di Hu. With a relatively short history, Di Hu was invented on the basis of Er Hu in 1930’s. Therefore, its structure, making and material are just the same as Er Hu. Producing low, deep and full sound, it is used in group performances of Guangdong music or traditional instrumental music. Now it is popular all over China.
Di Hu on display was made at the end of 20th century.




Jing Hu 京胡
Bowed stringed instrument. It is a special instrument that appeared along with the birth and development of Peking Opera in the middle of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 A.D.). Jing Hu is 49cm in length. Its body is made of bamboo. It is the main accompaniment instrument for Peking Opera and it is also used for other accompaniments and solo.
The exhibit has been used by musicians of Peking Opera for many years.




[b]Jing Er Hu 京二胡
As one of the three main instruments for accompanying Peking Opera, Jing Er Hu emerged in late 1920s. Its shape, structure and the material used are almost the same as Er Hu. Its range is about two ottave. In addition to Peking Opera, it is used for accopanying other operas.
Though the instrument on display has been used by musicians of Peking Opera for many years, its sound quality is still excellent.

[ren]

yuki-onna, on Feb 17 2006, 03:07 AM, said:

Ban Hu 板胡
Bowed string instrument which appeared along with a local opera named Bang Zi Qiang (clapper opera). It is popular in provinces of northwest China, north China and northeast China. Ban Hu is 70cm in length. Its stick is made of wood and the sound box is of coconut husk. There are two kinds of Ban Hu: Ban Hu for solo and Ban Hu for accompaniment. Both are good at playing exciting and cheerful tunes.
Ban Hu on display was made in 1950s-1960s.




Si Hu 四胡
Bowed string instrument popular in Inner Mongolia and provinces in northeast China and north China. It is about 88cm in length. The stick is made of wood, but the sound box is of bronze. The instrument has 4 strings with two strings for the same tone. Si Hu is an accompaniment instrument used for popular entertainment talking and singing, singing and dancing as well as local operas.
The exhibit is a kind of Si Hu popular among the people of Mongolian ethnic group.




Ma Tou Qin 马头琴
Bowed string instrument. Originated during the Tang and Song period (7-13th centuries), Ma Tou Qin is popular among the people of the Mongolian ethnic group. It is 124cm in length, with wooden stick and sound box, two horsehair strings and a horsehair-corded bow. This instrument produces unique timbre, and is used for solo, accompaniment and other performances.
The exhibit is a new improved Ma Tou Qin, which features full, deep and melodious sound when played.




Ai Jie Ke 艾捷克
Bowed string instrument of Uygur and Uzbek ethnic groups It is popular in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Its body is made of wood and the instrument is played for local songs , dance music and Maqam music.
The exhibit is a new type of improved four-string Ai Jie Ke.




STRING INSTRUMENTS

Pi Pa 琵琶
A major plucked string instrument in China. It was introduced from India to China in the 4th century A.D.. The modern Pi Pa is around 96 cm in length with four strings. It has types of six Xiang (small bridges) with 18, 24, 25 or 28 bridges., arranged in 12 temperament of average order. The back board is made of mahogany or red sandalwood, while the front board is made of phoenix wood. Pi Pa is widely used in traditional music orchestras and to accompany local operas or folk story- telling in China.
The exhibit is a kind of widely-used Pi Pa of six Xiang (small bridges) with 24 bridges.




Liu Qin 柳琴
A kind of small-sized plucked string instrument. It used to be the leading instrument for local Liu Qin opera in the Chinese Huaihe River basin, and now is popular across the nation. Its shape, structure and playing patterns are similar to Pi Pa. Liu Qin with 3 strings and 24 bridges appeared in 1958, and the one with 4 strings and 29 bridges was first made in 1972.
The exhibit is a Liu Qin of 3 strings with 24 bridges , made in 1958.




Ruan 阮
Plucked stringed instrument. It was named Pi Pa in ancient times. In the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317- 420 A.D.), a musician called Ruan Xian was adept at playing this instrument, so it was named Ruan Xian by later generations. In modern times, it is called Ruan for short.
The instrument is made of wood, with 4 strings and 17-24 bridges arranged in 12 temperament of average order. There are two common types of Ruan: large Ruan and medium Ruan.
The exhibit is a large Ruan with excellent timbre, produced in 1950-1960s.




San Xian 三弦
Three- string plucked instrument. It is widely believed that San Xian originated in the Qin Dynasty (221-207 B.C.). Murals of playing San Xian of the Liao, Song and Yuan Dynasties (907-1368 A.D.) have been found in recent archaeological excavations. Modern San Xian is mainly made of high-quality wood such as nanmu. Its range is about three ottave. Traditional San Xian can be divided into two types: large San Xian and small San Xian. Both are used mainly for accompanying popular entertainment talking and singing, and local operas as well as for intrumental ensembles.
San Xian on display was collected from local people in China. This instrument is old and worn out through time and tide.




Rawap 热瓦普
Plucked stringed instrument of Uygur and Uzbek ethnic groups. According to legend, it originated in Kashi, Xinjiang Uygur Artonomous Region in the 14th century A.D..The folk Rawap in Kashi is made of wood and the front of the sound box is covered with a piece of animal skin. It is 130 cm in length, with 1 main string , 4- 6 resonance strings and 28 silk string-wound bridges on the stick. Its range is about two ottave. The instrument is used for solo, ensemble and accompaniment.
The exhibit is a popular Rawap at present.




Dong Bu La 东不拉
Plucked string instrument. Aken Dong Bu La, named after a folk singer of the Kazakstan ethnic group, is a kind of traditional Dong Bu La. The instrument is popular mainly in northern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. 80-90cm in length; made of wood; with two strings and 8-11 casing string-wound bridges on the stick.
The exhibit is an alto Dong Bu La.

This post has been edited by rudeboy: 03 March 2006 - 08:10 PM

[Mok]

I've got a dizi in the key of G. Can't play it yet though.