Choosing a Dizi (key, material etc)

[asano]

Hello there ~ thanks for reading this thread.

I think Chinese music is beautiful and would love to purchase a Dizi to play songs like this (hopefully I'm right and this is a Dizi...) But there are many different types and I struggle to decide what is good for me. My aim is to buy something of good quality and that produces a good sound that will last me a long time. I am not particularly interested in 'newbie friendly' but rather what is better for intermediate/advanced flute players in the long run since I intend to keep and play this flute for a long time.

I have been playing classical flute for 10 years and have achieved Grade 8 so I am not a newbie to flute or music theory. I can read bass and treble clef.

Is there a specific key which more songs are popular in? Is it worth purchasing flutes in multiple keys (like a set from C-G)?
Which material gives the best sound? Is there a difference between different kinds of woods? (I've noticed some are different colours). My budget is around $150 USD.

Lastly, if there are any popular websites for finding sheet music for the type of Dizi recommended, I'd greatly appreciate some links to those too. Thank you for your time!

[Flolei]

Hello and welcome!
So, you are in the same situation than me when I started with dizi.
My advice is this instrument:
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/Concert-Grade-D-key-5-year-bamboo-dizi-by-XB/289
In D or in C for the beginning (it is from G or A of the first octave of your Western flute to A or B of the third octave), as you feel the authentic Chinese sound without too ear-piercing sounds.
This one is also very good:
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/Exquisite-Master-Class-D-key-Dizi-by-Dong-Xue-Hua/144
The seller is a store in Singapore and is very reliable. Try to get an express shipping, although it is more expensive. It is important for the instrument to come safely and fast to you.
Of course, there are plenty of offers, but this one is for sure a good one.
Best regards,
Flolei

[Flolei]

PS. I forgot to explain my choice: 1) bitter bamboo is the most common and the most popular material (wood can be good, but the right traditional sound is bamboo), 2) key of D (ou A key) is the most usual and allow you to play with other Chinese musical instrument (like guzheng), but C is nice sounding for people who play alone, 3) the first model I recommended is the one I play the most often (it is loud, very well tuned, very lovely sounding, secure for performances, I really love it) - I have about 20 different flutes in different keys and materials.
Something more: for 150 USD you can't get a quality set of dizis. I think it is better to start with a good quality one and see how you will like the instrument and which keys you will need.

[ck2998]

Another maker to consider is Bao YaNan.

www.orientalmusic.org/dizi/dizi3b.html

If you are not playing in a group, a single section is better than a jointed one.

[meoweth]

goto taobao.com , put in 笛子
then put 500 in the minimum price, click ok, and you'll get a wide variety of choices.
I dont think there are too many differences between a 500rmb and 1000rmb flute, but since you are buying from the makers in china directly, theres more selection.
youd have to use something like taobaoagent to get your flute shipped so its a bit of a hassle.

Still, while ur at it, u may as well get urself a nice bawu and xiao

[amjad]

Sept 7, 2016 18:15:31 GMT Flolei said:

Hello and welcome!
So, you are in the same situation than me when I started with dizi.
My advice is this instrument:
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/Concert-Grade-D-key-5-year-bamboo-dizi-by-XB/289
In D or in C for the beginning (it is from G or A of the first octave of your Western flute to A or B of the third octave), as you feel the authentic Chinese sound without too ear-piercing sounds.
This one is also very good:
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/Exquisite-Master-Class-D-key-Dizi-by-Dong-Xue-Hua/144
The seller is a store in Singapore and is very reliable. Try to get an express shipping, although it is more expensive. It is important for the instrument to come safely and fast to you.
Of course, there are plenty of offers, but this one is for sure a good one.
Best regards,
Flolei

hii
I am beginner in Flute and asking if any one can advice books or DVD in English as all the resources are in chinese?