The Xiao's "Sweetspot" (True?)

[jetz320]

I'm trying to spend more time practicing the xiao and I now see that there is a "sweetspot" as I call it to get the right sound. I seem to notice blowing carelessly into the xiao will give you a sound with wind (my dad says it's like leaking air). So I try to find this sweet spot. I notice that it's between the top and center of the hole.

Is this thing actually true and how you get the good sound?

[Dick]

Yes, jetz, xiao is deceptively simple to play. At first try, easier to make a sound than almost any other end-blown flute. Still, if you blow carelessly you will never achieve musical results. The main thing about getting a good sound is knowing in your own ear what the good sound is like. Try to hear every note in your imagination before you produce it with the flute.

Your lips should feel relaxed, and the opening of your mouth be well-controlled. You direct the thinnest possible column of air against the notch in the xiao's mouthpiece. The edge of the notch should bisect your airstream. I have written a little more advice about playing xiao and provided simple fingering charts on my web site: www.goamcan.com/imports/How-to-play-xiao.html

[Charlie Huang]

I should really save up for a good xiao now. The current one I have is not as good as the ones I tried out at my fellows' house.