Bawu questions

[archkde]

Hello all,

I received my bawu in the mail a couple of days ago. I got this model in F.
After playing around with it, I have several questions...

First, low C (all finger holes covered, but not the undertone) is distressingly sharp (~30 cents), compared to the rest of the notes which seem to be quite in-tune.
However, I found that playing forte with my cheeks puffed brought the intonation down to reasonable levels (~10-15 cents sharp).

Second, is it permissible to puff my cheeks while playing this instrument? Without me puffing my cheeks, I can't bring the pitch down on low C down from C# at all.

Third, I found that tonguing on the bawu takes a LOT more effort to produce an audible result than on any other instrument I've tried (I play oboe regularly, and also own a dizi.)

I'll link to an audio file sometime tomorrow, when I should have time to do so.

[rick]

I had the same problem, with a very sharp lowest note (C on an F bawu). I discovered that I can play
it well in tune by inflating my cheeks and using a high air pressure (as you mentioned). I believe tonguing
would be a special effect on the bawu and it is not expected to be used often.

[meoweth]

I puff my cheeks when playing the bawu, Im not sure how else you are supposed to play it. For me, I love this instrument, i hate the quality of the reed, as its something that doesnt always work.
But for the price, its ok.. Just wish someone like winson could make a superior version, but i dont think its possible.

I ended up getting a 6-key version from taobao for around $100 . the first 3keys give u extra half octave range plus half note , while the last 3, Im still not sure what that does.

[edcat7]

I haven't played my bawu for some time but took my hulusi with me whilst working abroad. I don't puff my cheeks when playing but use my diaphragm to push the air out.

I have a few bawus some of which my teacher has used for concerts. It's hit or miss but not all of them are perfectly in tune as well.