Hulusi drones - different methods of activating

[ericzang]

I'm wanting to understand better the pros and cons of different ways of turning on and off the drones of a hulusi. It appears the most common way I see in pictures and ones for sale is the "sliding plug" at the end of the pipe. I do not have much experience playing a hulusi (except for a short time in a store). The sliding plug seems a reasonable method.

As I have seen or heard of, there are 4 ways:

sliding plug
side key
open finger hole facing upwards
open finger hole facing downwards

Edcat has noted that he prefers downwards facing holes. I'd like to understand better this method, as I can't quite imagine yet how the finger hole method works and its ergonomics while playing.

On this page is a picture of a side key (mechanical stopper) drone: www.orientalmusic.org/hulusi.html

Here is a photo of what I think is one with upward holes: image.dhgate.com/albu_119449497_00-1.0x0/pear-production-fengming-cloisonne-hulusi.jpg

Thanks for any insights!

[thebamboogrove]

hmmm.....

i used to like the sliding plugs, till i performed pieces which required changing drones every 2 lines. Somehow, i can't use my pinky or a single finger to flip the switch on the sliding. hence, I got myself the flip switch.

[thebamboogrove]

keeping a finger on it isn't a good idea for many pieces. It adds additional responsibilities on your fingers.... when playing 16ths and twisting between breathes to get the sub resonant notes, its not recommended...... just a personal thought

[edcat7]

Hi Eric

For a start you'll rarely use the drone anyway. I use the drone on my D hulusi and parts of it are played at high speed, double tongueing with the drone on.

The drone in the DHgate image is perfect almost. The drone hole is facing upwards and to play it you'll have to put your little finger on it. But unless your fingers move completely independently your pinky will slip and the drone will be on.

But this is easily remedied by switching the drones around so the hole faces downwards. You then block the hole shut with your thumb (off) and when needed shift your thumb (open) etc. This is extremely fast. The switch or catch type is just too slow. In a perfect hulusi I'd move the hole slightly further up towards the gourd.

But for the drones to be switched around they both need to be the same length.

I've bought so many hulusis of every material and cost is not necessarily an indicator of quality. In fact I'd avoid the cloisonné ones.

Ed

[thebamboogrove]

AGREE with Edcat..

cloisonné MAY use lead.... thats a first nono. It also hides whatever materials the gourd is made up of. I am into the thought that if you want YunNan Traditional sound, use a Hulusi with Gouard and Bamboo. If you want to use it for modern shows, get a rosewood or blackwood one. Natural materials sounds the best.

[dariuswind]

Any idea where I might buy a Hulusi in NY City?  When I went on-line I was not able to locate any traditional music stores in Chinatown or Flushing.  But they must exist.  If I order on on-line, I have to wait a month for shipment from China.  I would appreciate any advice - Thanks!

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to the forum, dariuswind. Much of the time I order Chinese instruments and supplies from Asia since the quality for the price is usually better, and it usually does not take too long. I don't have experience with vendors for Chinese instruments in the New York area, but Datung Arts is in Las Vegas, and sells over Ebay at stores.ebay.com/Datungmusic . I would personally be inclined to order from Eason Music in Singapore as my first choice, and maybe www.Redmusicshop.com in China. I don't think any of my orders have taken a month, but maybe such things arrive sooner since I am on the West Coast.

In New York, you might check with The Bamboo Grove, in Rochester. www.orientalmusic.org/hulusi.html I don't have any experience with TBG, and so cannot offer an opinion on their instruments or service.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

Czesc Darius and welcome,

Are you planning on teaching yourself or will you find a teacher. If it is the former I'd get a C hulusi and the type of drone switch is not important. I wouldn't spend too much on one either. The hulusi signature tune 'Phoenix tail bamboo under the moonlight' is in C and the drone is not used. It's also easy to learn.

My experiences with Datungmusic were not positive ones. Redmusicshop at my suggestion stocks a hulusi score book with two cd's.

Best wishes,

Ed