Chossing my first xiao

[audur]

Hello everybody!

Finally I've decided to buy a xiao, but now I have to face the problem of choosing one. I've been told that for beginners is better an 8 hole, G xiao (preferably northern xiao) so that's what I'm looking for. I would like to have a xiao with a good quality sound, probably not a professional one but at least that sounds good.
I've seen a few ones that look promising from Eason and Red music shop but I don't know if they're good xiaos or not. Could somebody help me? By the way, if someone knows about a better place to buy a xiao or anything, please tell me!

This are the ones that I found:
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/Exquisite-Master-Class-G-key-Purple-Bamboo-Xiao-Flute-(by-Dong-Xue-Hua)/154
www.easonmusicstore.com/products/G-Key-Purple-Bamboo-Xiao-Flute-(By-Xie-Bing)/283
www.redmusicshop.com/Xiao/Professional%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Xiao%20by%20Huang%20Lifeng,%203%20sections
www.redmusicshop.com/Xiao/Professional%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Xiao%20by%20Xie%20Bing
www.dhgate.com/store/product/zwb006-three-parts-traditional-handmade-professional/377880719.html (I have been recommended this one but I'm not too confident on how this site works, is it ok?)

Thank you so much for all the help!
Audur

[dawei]

I own one of the Professional 8 Hole G Bamboo Flute Xiao by Huang Lifeng, 3 sections

www.redmusicshop.com/Xiao/Professional%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Xiao%20by%20Huang%20Lifeng,%203%20sections

It plays very well, is in tune, and the high range plays easily too. According to the folks at Red Music Shop, it is a very good an instrument as are the ones by other makers.

Another option is the one piece xiao:

www.redmusicshop.com/Xiao/Short%20Xiao,%20Bamboo%20Flute%20Xiao,%201%20Section

I have had good results ordering from Eason music too. Frankly any of those instruments should work.

Of course getting a xiao by mail is not quite as good as being able to pick one out in person, but both Red Music Shop and Eason have good reputations and are helpful.

[billdsmall]

Hi Audur,

About six months ago I bought a xiao - 8 Hole G - from Carrotmusic.com and I'm really happy with it. It's their model number SX501, and it's made of Sheng Fei bamboo rather than purple or black bamboo. Sheng Fei is a bit thicker and more dense and it seems more durable than other types of bamboo. It's easy to play, which suits a beginner, and has a strong and deep sound. As I recall it costs about US $90 plus shipping. Good luck!

[dawei]

Jul 4, 2017 21:00:47 GMT billdsmall said:

Hi Audur,

About six months ago I bought a xiao - 8 Hole G - from Carrotmusic.com and I'm really happy with it. It's their model number SX501, and it's made of Sheng Fei bamboo rather than purple or black bamboo. Sheng Fei is a bit thicker and more dense and it seems more durable than other types of bamboo. It's easy to play, which suits a beginner, and has a strong and deep sound. As I recall it costs about US $90 plus shipping. I have a few expensive wooden xiaos made by Geoffrey Ellis and Vance Pennington but my favorite is the Carrotmusic SX501. Good luck!

I've had good results from Carrot music too. I just never bought a xiao from them.

Looks like a nice instrument.

[meoweth]

I bought one from aliexpress.com for $10 and it actually was pretty good. If youre just starting out, that wouldnt be a bad choice.
www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-xiao.html?initiative_id=SB_20171014085824&site=glo&groupsort=1&SortType=total_tranpro_desc&g=y&SearchText=xiao

You can also consider one of these as you progress:
www.aliexpress.com/item/Wooden-Tang-shakuhachi-flute-outer-incision-South-xiao-Musical-Instruments-Woodwind-Instruments-flauta-Piccolo/32458965679.html?ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_1_10152_10065_10151_10068_10344_10345_10342_10343_10340_10341_10307_10060_10155_10154_10056_10055_10054_10537_10059_10536_10534_10533_10532_100031_10099_10338_10103_10102_10052_10053_10142_10107_10050_10051_10084_10083_10080_10082_10081_10110_10175_10111_10112_10113_10114_10312_10313_10314_10078_10079_10073,searchweb201603_30,ppcSwitch_5&btsid=4ac211da-aa83-4559-827e-631f9f9758ee&algo_expid=d96b827d-e6ce-4d21-9f9b-2519a0fd727b-42&algo_pvid=d96b827d-e6ce-4d21-9f9b-2519a0fd727b