Bawu or hulusi?

[robinjong12]

Haii everyone...

I'm very confused with which one should i choose between hulusi and bawu.
Can anyone give me an advice or suggestion about which one should i choose?

Thanks a lot everyone.

[davidmdahl]

Both hulusi and bawu have the same sort of reed, so the sounds are very similar. The bawu is usually played transversely, like a dizi, while the hulusi is held vertically, like a xiao. However, recently the bawu is available in a version that can be played vertically. The most common keys for bawu are F and G, while there are more keys available for hulusi. The key of C is typical for hulusi. The hulusi has drones which are not available for bawu.

The decision is probably a matter of preference, considering the key, playing position, and drones. If I had a C bawu, I would probably play it more than the hulusi.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

In addition to what David says:

I would get a hulusi rather than a bawu. There are far more scores for the hulusi than the bawu. The fingering is identical and it is possible to play hulusi tunes with a bawu.....just. It's easy to play the highest note .6 on a hulusi because there's the mouthpiece to keep it in balance. When I play .6 on the bawu, especially at speed I tend to lose my grip.

[davidmdahl]

My understanding, score-wise, is that the hulusi and bawu are interchangeable. You can use whatever you want that is available in the key you need. Unless you use the drones, I think it would not be likely that anyone could tell the difference in the sound. The hulusi does look more exotic, and might be more interesting to an audience. The hulusi is probably a little easier to play. The bawu takes more pressure to hold, at least for me. But, I enjoy playing the bawu more, maybe since I am more used to playing other transverse flutes.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

Apr 1, 2013 23:43:19 GMT davidmdahl said:

My understanding, score-wise, is that the hulusi and bawu are interchangeable. You can use whatever you want that is available in the key you need. Unless you use the drones, I think it would not be likely that anyone could tell the difference in the sound. The hulusi does look more exotic, and might be more interesting to an audience. The hulusi is probably a little easier to play. The bawu takes more pressure to hold, at least for me. But, I enjoy playing the bawu more, maybe since I am more used to playing other transverse flutes.

Best wishes,

David

On paper that's true and even my teacher thought so...until he tried playing a G key hulusi tune with a G bawu.

Now the next time he's back in China he's going to get a G hulusi for both of us.

David, I'll send you that G hulusi score (when I get round to it) and then you'll know what I mean.

[robinjong12]

Hi Mr. David and Mr. Edcat7

Thanks a lot for both of you for the advice.
It's really helpfull for me for making the decision

Hope both of you have a great day

Warm regards,
Robin