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Post by syafiqmonaer on Jun 12, 2017 14:08:25 GMT
I just bought my first dizi and I put 2layer of membrane, tried to play it, blow like in the tutorial in youtube. But the flute's sound didn't go out well. Can I make a video call with someone who can check what is wrong with my blowing?
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Post by edcat7 on Jun 12, 2017 15:29:03 GMT
Hi syafiq and welcome. The problem is almost certainly your embrochure (blowing hole) is too big, and more air is blown outside the dizi than in it. Also try angling the direction of the breath 45 degrees downwards.
Ed
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Post by dawei on Jun 12, 2017 15:43:48 GMT
I just bought my first dizi and I put 2layer of membrane, tried to play it, blow like in the tutorial in youtube. But the flute's sound didn't go out well. Can I make a video call with someone who can check what is wrong with my blowing? I'm not sure if you have the dimo adjusted correctly - this also will help in getting a good even tone. Perhaps even use a piece of tape at first until you are comfortable blowing the dizi itself. |
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 12, 2017 20:13:24 GMT
Installing a membrane on a dizi is a challenge if you are new to the process. Videos do help. I agree that covering the dimo hole with tape is a good idea. When you are more familiar with the basics of holding and blowing the dizi, you can mess with the membrane.
There should only be one layer of membrane covering the dimo hole. If you have more than that, you are likely to have trouble getting a good sound. There are some good videos on Youtube regarding installation of the dimo membrane. I suggest referring to one of them when you are ready.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by dawei on Jun 12, 2017 20:59:23 GMT
Installing a membrane on a dizi is a challenge if you are new to the process. Videos do help. I agree that covering the dimo hole with tape is a good idea. When you are more familiar with the basics of holding and blowing the dizi, you can mess with the membrane. There should only be one layer of membrane covering the dimo hole. If you have more than that, you are likely to have trouble getting a good sound. There are some good videos on Youtube regarding installation of the dimo membrane. I suggest referring to one of them when you are ready. Best wishes, David "Lao" David is right - videos are a wonderful godsend, which were not around decades ago when I was first learning Chinese music! Setting the dimo is a skill in and of itself - I'm getting better all the time, but until I had a lesson firsthand from a Shanghai conservatory trained player, it was hit-or-miss. As I see it, you need good dimo, good glue, and wrinkles in the right directions, loose, but still tight enough to play from the lowest to highest pitches with a good tone. And it needs to be adjusted often! Those new plastic dimo protectors are very useful too. The dizi did not have the membrane when first introduced to China, but it is the distinguishing tonal feature of the instrument for many centuries. for old times' sake  |
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Post by dawei on Jun 12, 2017 21:04:16 GMT
I found a couple other useful links. I apologize if these have been posted before. www.amazon.com/Solid-Dimo-Ejiao-Economy-Membrane/dp/B00MQOSW6Mglue from Amazon  Look at the pattern of wrinkles This is important! The wrinkles are along the diameter of the dizi, but it is still tight along that direction and the long direction on the flute. Other than the dimo, a dizi is a basic 6-hole 'simple system" flute after the tuning reformation. Of course, and playing style! |
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 12, 2017 22:16:18 GMT
The erjiao (dimo glue) from Amazon/Red Music Shop is a handy size. I use it myself.
The dimo membrane that comes with a new dizi is likely to be the least expensive option available, and may even be stale. There is a shelf-life for dimo membrane. In my experience, it keeps just fine for a year, but then gets brittle after that, depending on quality and environment. I have membrane that is a few years old that works fine, but the fresh stuff sounds best and adjusts more easily without tearing. I tend to order fresh membrane once a year or two, depending on how often I am playing. I usually use Ming Gui membrane, ordered from Eason Music. They go through it fast enough that I don't have to worry about it being stale.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by dawei on Jun 13, 2017 8:20:42 GMT
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 13, 2017 16:36:54 GMT
The Ming Gui membrane comes in different grades. Eason occasionally has the higher grades available, and they recently received a new shipment of the good stuff and the really good stuff. Last week I ordered the highest grade "exquisite" at quite a bit more than I usually pay for membrane. I will post my review when it arrives.
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Post by dawei on Jun 14, 2017 8:37:38 GMT
Please let us know if the higher grade is worth the extra price. after all, how expensive can dimo be? I'm curious what "exquisite" grade is like.
Added note - I just looked at the Eason website and the "exquisite" grade costs a lot more than the other grades. It's still inexpensive, though.
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Post by dawei on Jun 30, 2017 14:58:59 GMT
I got the "exquisite" grade dimo and can say it is very good, with a clear "crisp" tone that is very sweet. Is it worth the extra expense? Maybe so!
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Post by davidmdahl on Jun 30, 2017 16:36:37 GMT
Good to hear that you liked the "exquisite" dimo membrane. I received my order too, but have not tried it yet. Now I am even more intrigued. I will make time to try it out this weekend.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by dawei on Jun 30, 2017 22:11:58 GMT
Good to hear that you liked the "exquisite" dimo membrane. I received my order too, but have not tried it yet. Now I am even more intrigued. I will make time to try it out this weekend. Best wishes, David Please let us know your opinion. I really did not do a serious test recording the same flute with various dimo. Still, I heard a difference. |
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