When it comes to choosing Dizis, we often differentiate them based on the makers, keys, or types of Dizis (eg. Bangdi, Qudi, Xindi).
However, Dizis are constructed from different materials as well. Today, we will be discussing about two of the most commonly used bamboo types – white bamboo (白竹, Báizhú) & purple bamboo (紫竹, Zǐzhú) for Dizi construction and their differences.
How should decide whether to choose a purple bamboo Dizi or white bamboo Dizi?
Each bamboo type has its own characteristics. Some Dizi players do have a preference over which type of Dizi to purchase. It usually depends on what kind of timbre the musician is looking for in his or her instrument, or what kind of music he or she plans on playing with the Dizi. White bamboo Dizis produce a brighter and clearer sound while purple bamboo Dizis produce a more mellow and gentler sound.
It should also be noted that there are many factors other than the bamboo types affecting the timbre of an instrument, e.g. the age or thickness of the bamboo used etc.
Are there any differences in the crafting processes of different bamboo type Dizis?
No. Though the crafting processes are the same, purple bamboo is rarer than white bamboo. Thus, the waiting time needed for a maker to acquire a suitable piece of purple bamboo is longer because the Dizi maker has to pick a piece of bamboo that fits his criteria in terms of physical structure and density. This consequently results in lower supply and increased prices of purple bamboo Dizis.
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Here’s a video discussing about the two bamboo types and the respective Dizis, including a comparison demo by one of our Dizi instructor, Ng Wei Xuan.
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We hope that this post was informative and useful. If you are interested in buying Dizis, check out our webstore at www.easonmusicstore.com.
1 Comment
Thanks for the interesting video. Most informative to see the actual movements and slides during the play.
Are there any instructional videos in English for sale?
Regards
Andrew