How long does your dimo last?

[xindi]

I'm not sure whether I'm blowing too hard or playing too much...but on average, my dimo lasts about 3 weeks

I use quality ultra refined twice distilled rice paper from one of the most expensive premium branded chinese artisanal flute makers costing $1 or a sheath of 10 strips

If any one is finding their dimo lasting much longer or have a recommendation, I'd love to hear.

Kind regards.

[edcat7]

Hi,

I'm not sure if my dimo if of the same quality as yours, but mine lasts about 10 days, after which I find it is harder to make a clear sound.

Have you noticed that having a drink of hot water before playing helps or that playing in the late afternoon, evening helps?

Or is it just me?

Ed

[xindi]

Hi there,

You're right - the dimo needs some moisture 'to warm up' and settle into position.

When I pick it up in a cold room, i get an awful buzzing sound, or the 5 (dot above) note where the switch between the two octaves take place, produces a dead note.

Well the grade of dimo I have is the best in the country (apparently according to my teacher) - it just happens to be cheap.

I'd given up transporting dizis with dimo in situ - I always manage to pick mine up at the dimo and punch a hole right through it So these days, I use a hard case.

Recently I've found that if I don't use enough of the Er Jiao in the glue mix, then the dimo comes loose and buzzes uncontrollably and erratically for specific notes, so these days I've been thickening the Er Jiao so that the tension of the di mo is still loose, but the dimo is held more firm in position.

It lasts for about 3 weeks maximum - only because I switch between flutes to give each a break.

[edcat7]

Everywhere I read/see the er jiao is applied with water. I use my own (of course) saliva. Why not? I,m now at the point that every dimo I apply goes on well.

Ive taken a tip from my music teacher who is also a professional musician; when not playing I wrap a thin card (eg train ticket) with a rubber band around the dimo

Before my music lesson I try to practice downstairs to warm the dizi up. Otherwise when I blurt out the first few notes incoherently he'll look at me thinking 'you haven't been practicing!' and I'll look back, 'But I have honestly!'

[xindi]

Err...saliva? Well why not, as long as you're not chewing the er jiao in your mouth first!

They seem to go on fine for me; they just don't adhere, from week after week. That's a great way to get more value from your train tickets too. I guess you'll need to with the cost of transport in London

I had one batch of dimo brand (nameless) which was terrible. The dimo ripped everytime I handled it. Since moving over to another type, it's been more consistent with fewer rip problems and seems to last consistently for about 3 weeks.

[edcat7]

I bought a £2.99 alto dizi just for fun and it sounded very harsh and bright with the dimo supplied. I then added another layer of dimo and this didn't sound right either.

So I then used my regular quality dimo and was surprised with the results.

My teacher played it and whilst it's not going to cause Xie Bing (dizis) any sleepless nights we were both impressed.

I shall now blame less the instrument and resolve to practice harder!

[xindi]

What did you do differently with the dimo?

This week's dimo on my C dizi only lasted me 3 days. Probably because I was bragging about it lasting 3 weeks at the start of the month, it decided to do me in lol.

My C dizi was fairly expensive at around $100 and came with profesional red tassles. It is harsh and bright - or 'penetrating'. It projects incredibly well, but I have to wear deafeners to protect my ears when playing, and I can't play indoors because it is so loud. It is probably ideal for a concert instrument, but being 'bright' rather than 'dark' in its sound signature, I'm not a fan of it already. It is one of the higher pitched dizi's I use, so I'm not so keen on the soprano range. That's with the expensive quality dimo I use to!

[oltrelogo]

Yes, I agree that the dimo needs some moisture 'to warm up' and settle into position.

[xindi]

...and today the dimo has lifted one side due to the er jiao sticking being blown off by the force of my breathe...

[edcat7]

I'm told that for best results the dimo should be dry before playing. I also find that the dimo often needs adjusting the next day

[xindi]

2 days.


My target range for duration of dimo is shrinking! Adjusting the dimo is a chore - I tend to blow it for about a minute, then return to it in 10 minutes, and see if it has settled down.

Recently (humidity? temperature? lip swell?) I can either get the top 1 1/2 octaves, or the bottom 2 octaves - but can't master the dimo placement to get both