Xindi/ Dizi

[theclemente]

Hello guys,

I'm looking forward to buy a dizi but I need help to decide yet. I want to play this kind of songs on it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-7Ht799TfI (those low, beautiful sounds) (Ps: I dont why but I think the key on that particular flute isn't the right one...)

But I'm afraid if I buy the xindi I will not be able to learn, because the extra hole on it. I simply can't find any finger charts for the 7 hole dizi.
But in the other hand if I buy the normal 6 hole dizi, the sound will be too high...

Thanks and sorry for my bad English.

Ps: Or should I buy a Xiao?

[Flolei]

Hello and welcom to the forum!

If the only problem is the fingering, here is the one I use with my xindis. It works well.

Your question at the end shows that you don't know exactly which instrument you want to play. I suggest you to listen to a lot of pieces for the both instruments before ordering one. If you like only meditative, soft pieces, xiao will morda biti the right one. I f you like loud instruments with rich dynamics and some virtuosity, dizi is better for you.

Don't hesitate to ask questions and to express your thoughts about this. This forum is a good place to do it!

Best wishes,

Flolei

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[theclemente]

Thank you,

I seek more to meditative sounds and soft pieces, I don't like the High pitch sounds from the shorter dizis. But on the other hand i think that the sound of this dizi, from the 0:30 to 0:50 in here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FanTFCvjacY
Is just wonderful.
And is the xiao harder to play?

[Flolei]

The dizi on the video is a xindi, low G. It's really played beautifully.

No, xiao it's not really harder than dizi, especially if you don't play any transversal flute at all. If you play the Western flute, then xiao will be a little harder at the begining (it was so for me), but it's not really difficult.

[ziman]

Hi Clemente and welcome!

If gentle, meditative pieces are your thing, the xiao probably would suit. I wouldn't say the embouchure is more complicated, rather, it's just different from transverse flutes.

If you like low-pitched flutes in general, also bear in mind that low/bass dizis tend to be very long, thus necessitating a long finger and arm stretch. If you have not played transverse flutes before, starting out on a long flute like that is bound to be difficult. If you also dislike shorter dizi, that might be a challenge.

I should also point out that the song you linked to in your first post was originally a xiao song. The original artist who performed it is Chen Yue (陈悦), a well-known player of both dizi and xiao in China. She played this piece on the xiao.

This is a video of Chen Yue performing the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SoLYFFow0I

[theclemente]

Yes I knew the original song was from the her.

I'm decidade to buy a xiao.. Can you help me? Are the xiao's from www.carrotmusic.com/servlet/StoreFront any good?

And whats the standard key?

[davidmdahl]

For a beginner, I recommend a D or C dizi. Anything much lower than that will require a bit of a finger stretch. For just having fun playing tunes, this is an excellent range for playing. The higher keys such as G, really are in the piccolo range, and are both hard on the ears, and require a more mature embouchure. If you don't have the muscles in the lips developed yet, you will have an easier time with the mid-range key flutes like D or C.

The xiao usually comes in keys for G and F. The latter for playing with the Qin, and the G for just about everything else. Both will be a challenge for a beginner due to the finger stretch. Actually with the lower keys on both xiao and dizi, it is standard technique to cover the holes with the fleshy parts of the fingers, rather than the finger ends. For those who are beginners and are determined to start with xiao, it is important to find a hand position that lets you cover the holes without tension or uncomfortable wrist angles. Otherwise, you can hurt yourself. Learning the fingering is not really a major consideration. That will come with some practice. The hand position, and blowing with focus and as little tension as possible, are much bigger issues.

I share the preference of the xiao over the dizi for the kind of playing and music that is typical, but the dizi is a better place to start. Much of what you learn on dizi can be applied to xiao, although certainly the embouchures are different. If you don't want the dizi buzz, just tape over the dimo hole.

That's my $.02.

Best wishes,

David

[theclemente]

Thank you dave,

Are the Xiao's from carrotmusic any good? And for playing alone what key would you recomend?

[Flolei]

I would recommend G key. Easier, suitable for many tunes.

About Carrot's xiaos, difficult to say. Many people are very satisfied with them. Personnaly, I was more satisfied with their beginner lever than with the professional one, but I think I was unlucky.

[davidmdahl]

If the choice of a xiao is between F and G, I agree with Flolei that the G is the popular and useful choice for most situations. The F key is primarily for playing with the guqin. I suppose it would also be good if you simply like a lower pitch. I don't recommend starting on an F xiao though due to the stretch.

Even though the key is not nearly as useful, you might consider an A xiao. I noticed that many of the Carrot Music xiao listings include the key of A as an option. The stretch will be yet less than required for the G xiao, and if you are not playing with others, or a recording, the key will not matter very much.

I have never ordered from Carrot Music, so I can neither recommend for or against them.

Best wishes,

David

[donb1975]

Hello!

My xiao is an F ~ but I have long arms and fingers, so the stretch is actually good for me!

I did not order my xiao from Carrot Music ~ but I did get my D dizi and low F dizi from them. In my experience, Carrot is quite good. And if you get to the point where you want a special xiao, they offer a "tailor made" service that seems very interesting.

Carrot is good, I think, for beginners ~ because they are a reputable company, and you can buy a decent quality instrument for a fairly low price. Someday you may want to look elsewhere for a better xiao, but as a beginner Carrot offers a nice enough selection so you can "get your feet wet".

[theclemente]

I'm going to probably Order a G Xiao, what others good sellers I can take a look for Xiao's?

[donb1975]

Eason Music has a couple to choose from: www.easonmusicstore.com/webshaper/store/viewCat.asp?catID=22

Also: Chinese Music Instruments
www.shoppingchinanow.com/shop/chinese-bamboo-flute.html

Datung Music has some, but is oftentimes out of stock in G key:
www.melodyofchina.com/06instruments/winds.html

Of course you could also try eBay ~ there are many reputable instrument sellers there (just pay attention to the feedback).