Q1.There are so many different type of chinese bowed instruments!What is the difference?

A.Generally we can put all the chinese bowed instruments (huqin) into two groups :the ones that's used in modern chinese orchestra,and the ones that's mostly for small ensemble,operas or festival performances.

Huqin used in modern chinese orchestra
Gaohu Soprano
Erhu alto
Zhonghu tenor
Dai hu bass
Gehu bass
Bass Gehu Double bass

 

Huqin used individually or in small ensembles,operas,festival performances.
Banhu
originated from western part of china with loud and clear tone
Yuehu
Used commonly around Suzhou district,produce a soft and sweet tone.
Ma Tou qin
Commonly seen in mongolia,has a unique look with a horse head at the top of the instrument as decoration
Ginhu
Used frequently in Beijing opera or as solo/small ensembles,has an very special and clear tone.Soprano instrument.Instrument body made of bamboo rather than wood (commonly used for other huqin)
Ginerhu
Used in Beijing opera as a alto/tenor part along with the Ginhu.Unlike ginhu,it's body's made of wood too.
*There're many other types of huqin (large number being minority instruments or not as commonly seen district instruments) that we have not included in these two list.Should there be any specific type of huqin you'd like to look for,please let us know.

 

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