Post by phoenixiao on Feb 28, 2018 17:12:20 GMT
I'm hoping this sharing can be helpful for newbies exploring and learning the Xiao because it took me a while to figure out. I recently added 2 more Xiao to my first G key one from Xie Wen Zheng (谢文正, also known as 管子先生). The emblem/brand from left to right: Dong Xue Hua (董雪华) , Xie Wen Zheng, and Ren Xiao (任瑾箫坊 or 任箫). I'll abbreviate them to DXH, XWZ, and Ren.
The DXH F Key is indeed better in quality: more dense/heavy, wider girth, thicker wall, smoother finishing. The Ren G is made of ABS but surprisingly loud and clear once you can find the correct angle to blow. Aesthetically not as pleasing since the plastic has fine lines that appear to be seams from the molding process, fortunately its dark colour hides it well.
All items were bought from Taobao (XWZ via EZBuy.sg and the rest via SGShop.com). What is noticeable and expected is the difference in length, though I was surprised the DXH F key (left most) is shorter than my XWZ G key. And the Ren G key is even shorter and slimmer still.
The finger holes for DXH F was not as challenging for me since I've long fingers. The Ren G is really easy on the hands given its light weight and close fingering, but I found it harder to grip because of its slimness. I imagine it would be great for children or smaller sized hands.
What I found most interesting and perhaps significant is the blow hole design (from left: Ren G, XWZ G, DXH F). I've been practising under a teacher with the XWZ G for some months and high notes (upper 2nd octave) continue to be tough to sustain even with sufficient abdominal breath. When I tried the DXH F (right most), it was really smooth for the same higher register. Similarly high notes on the Ren G was smooth. The problem with the Ren is that the angle of blowing has to be very precise and steady, so it's less forgiving than the bamboo ones. Of course, the bamboo ones are more enjoyable to play and listen to as the ABS one can be too "clean" and thus dull sounding.
The DXH one did not disappoint as there's an overall smoothness to playing it from low to high notes. I can't say for sure what makes one Xiao better than another but certainly a pricier and reputable model can make a difference. My teacher did warn/advise though, not to let the instrument dictate how we play and to maintain fundamentals: use abdominal breath, steady blowing angle, relax all other body parts especially lips, mouth, throat, chest.
The DXH F Key is indeed better in quality: more dense/heavy, wider girth, thicker wall, smoother finishing. The Ren G is made of ABS but surprisingly loud and clear once you can find the correct angle to blow. Aesthetically not as pleasing since the plastic has fine lines that appear to be seams from the molding process, fortunately its dark colour hides it well.
All items were bought from Taobao (XWZ via EZBuy.sg and the rest via SGShop.com). What is noticeable and expected is the difference in length, though I was surprised the DXH F key (left most) is shorter than my XWZ G key. And the Ren G key is even shorter and slimmer still.
The finger holes for DXH F was not as challenging for me since I've long fingers. The Ren G is really easy on the hands given its light weight and close fingering, but I found it harder to grip because of its slimness. I imagine it would be great for children or smaller sized hands.
What I found most interesting and perhaps significant is the blow hole design (from left: Ren G, XWZ G, DXH F). I've been practising under a teacher with the XWZ G for some months and high notes (upper 2nd octave) continue to be tough to sustain even with sufficient abdominal breath. When I tried the DXH F (right most), it was really smooth for the same higher register. Similarly high notes on the Ren G was smooth. The problem with the Ren is that the angle of blowing has to be very precise and steady, so it's less forgiving than the bamboo ones. Of course, the bamboo ones are more enjoyable to play and listen to as the ABS one can be too "clean" and thus dull sounding.
The DXH one did not disappoint as there's an overall smoothness to playing it from low to high notes. I can't say for sure what makes one Xiao better than another but certainly a pricier and reputable model can make a difference. My teacher did warn/advise though, not to let the instrument dictate how we play and to maintain fundamentals: use abdominal breath, steady blowing angle, relax all other body parts especially lips, mouth, throat, chest.
