Du Xian Qin

[robinjong12]

Haii Everyone

I would like to ask, does anybody know where i can get a Du Xian Qin??

Thanks!

[davidmdahl]

The duxianqin is the Chinese version of the Vietnamese dan bau. It is a lot easier to get a dan bau. Some years ago someone was selling duxianqins on Ebay for around $800. I have not seen any for sale in recent years. There are several Ebay listings for dan bau of various qualities. I would have the most confidence in the dan bau sold for $179.00 by yukinachang, although I have not actually played this model.

Another source for a dan bau is Pham Duc Thanh of Toronto. He is a master, and sells good instruments. You could contact him via his website, easily found with Google.

Best wishes,

David

[robinjong12]

Hai Mr David

I see.. It really a high price
Is there any difference between Dan Bau and Du Xian Qin??

Thanks

Warm regards,
Robin

[davidmdahl]

The duxianqin is very much an ethnic instrument in China, mostly among the Jing, who are ethnic Vietnamese. The duxianqin I saw marketed was similar to the one used by the 12 Girls Band a few years ago. It appears to be a modern design, rather than traditional.

The duxianqin and dan bau appear to differ only in style and decorations. The shape of the stick manipulated by the left hand tends a different shape at the end. There is some variety in the Vietnamese style. Some are made of bamboo, but most are of wood.

The styles of the music are much more different than the instruments, but that is to be expected. In the recordings I have heard, the style of playing especially ornamentation, is different. I find Vietnamese style on the dan bau to be much more sophisticated than what I usually hear on duxianqin recordings.

The duxianqin is a novelty in Chinese music, but very much at the center of Vietnamese music. Not only is it used in traditional music, but also in Pop.

[robinjong12]

I see

Ok then, thanks a lot for the advice and the Information

Best regards,
Robin