Dimo on Dizi

[dsn94]

Hello guys, I have question regarding Dimo on Dizi. I have recently noticed that the tone came out from my Dizi the whole time during my learning was lacking of that "chinese flavor" tone.

Instead, it sounded like the tone that usually comes out when I use tape.. I found out that wetting the Dimo produces the very "chinese flavor" tone I am looking for, but its not a permanent solution, as soon as it dries out after few minutes of blowing, it loses the tone again.

I have been watching youtube videos about installing dimo on dizi, but did not help. Has anybody ever experienced this?

[davidmdahl]

If the dimo membrane is too tight, it will not buzz enough, or maybe at all. Avoid dampening the center part of the membrane that is over the hole. You can dampen the part of the membrane on the bamboo, which will loosen the membrane enough to adjust the tension. Let the membrane dry before playing the dizi. A minute or two should be adequate.

I can often loosen the membrane enough by lightly touching the membrane. If the membrane is old or of low quality, it may be brittle and easy to tear. Part of learning to play the dizi is knowing how to adjust the membrane without tearing it. This learning process is likely to result in installing new membrane more than you would like.

When I first started playing dizi, I didn't understand the purpose in the membrane folds over the dimo hole. Done properly, the sound quality is best with the folds, so I recommend that approach. Installing the membrane is not that hard, but it is a challenge to learn without someone to demonstrate.

Best wishes,

David

[dawei]

And don't forget the wrinkles in the dimo!