Mongolian Zither Music

[ec2013]

I'm very interested in traditional Mongolian music and in particular the Yatga zither. I can't seem to find any way to actually buy one or find any in museums. does anyone know where I could find one in North America?

thanks.

[edcat7]

Hi ec2013 and welcome,

I had to look up what a yatga is. I think it's going to be very difficult getting a genuine yatga. Have you considered getting a guzheng and playing Mongolian tunes on that instead? There are certainly more guzheng teachers than yatga teachers.

I play the erhu and have encountered Mongolian tunes for it.

Best wishes

Ed

[ec2013]

So they are tuned the same by default? Is it possible to tune a guzheng easily?(sorry I'm a novice at Asian Ethnic Music)

Thanks

[davidmdahl]

I have never seen a yatga in person, but my impression from the Wikipedia article is that the modern yatga is very much like a guzheng, with 21 strings. The article describes smaller versions of the instrument with fewer strings. On some versions one end angles down. This probably has something to do with the way the instrument is played, on the floor or on a stand. An angled end may make it more practical for sitting on the floor, although some photos show the player sitting in a chair with the plucking end resting on the lap and the other end on the floor.

It is not clear to me if yatga strings are substantially different from those used for guzheng. You might compare recordings of guzheng and yatga to see if you notice a difference in sound.

I have no idea on where you might find a yatga in NA. It will certainly be a lot easier to get a good guzheng and play Mongolian music on that. It would not surprise me if that is done a lot. If you definitely want a yatga, I suggest looking for Mongolian cultural organizations. Someone who plays the horse head fiddle (matouqin) might have suggestions. I know that Hong Wang of Datung Music Arts plays and sells the matouqin, and may have a line on a source for yatga. The website for Datung Music indicates that it is still under construction, but contact information is listed. I think Hong Wang mostly sells via Ebay.

Carol at Sound of Asia lists several Asian zithers, although not yatga. You might check with her though just in case she has some ideas. Another possibility is that you will find someone or a group on Facebook for yatga or Mongolian music. You might also post questions on Youtube videos of yatga performances.

Best wishes,

David

[ec2013]

Thanks a lot!

I'll look into a guzheng until I can find a genuine yatga, if ever.

I asked the people at Sound of Asia and they don't know anyone making Yatgas even in Mongolia! quite rare.

-ec2013

[littleqin]

Hi.

I saw you are looking for a Yatga. I know where you can buy one online but it ships from Mongolia (if it's worth the wait).

You can google "shop e mongol big yataga".

[ec2013]

wow, thanks!

a good find

[ec2013]

talked to the people at Sound of Asia, turns out that like most "yatgas" you see nowadays, that's actually a Guzheng they are selling

[edcat7]

If you are based in the US it would be better to get a decent guzheng from Carol than an unknown from Mongolia. Perhaps you should find a teacher first, have a few lessons then you'll know what a decent one sounds like and plays.