Guzheng (GZ-1)
Product Description
Features:
- 21 Strings "Crane Model", 4 Octave Range
- Rosewood Construction - HAND CARVED
- Made in China
- Includes Padded Bag & Tuner
- Beginners Model
The Chinese Guzheng, also known simply as the zheng, is a type of zither. This Chinese zheng instrument is a plucked, moveable bridge instrument with 21 strings (though there are models with anywhere from 15 to 25 strings). Prior to 1961, most Asian Gu zhengs had 16 strings, but the development of the S-shaped string rest allowed for easier tuning and improved resonance to support the 21 stringed models. The new Asian zheng instrument model offered 4 octaves, whereas the 16 stringed model only offered 3 octaves. The truly customizable aspect of this Asian zheng instrument is the playing technique - there are a variety of methods, although the most common is to play with four plectra on the right hand, using the left to add ornamentation (like vibrato) to the sound. Western music theory has revolutionized these techniques, though, with many musicians experimenting with using the left hand for harmony and bass. This technique, however, precludes using the left hand for ornamentation.
The Chinese Gu-zheng is constructed from wutong wood, or the Chinese Parasol Tree. Originally the strings of the Asian Gu-zheng were made from silk, but modern moveable string instrument models use metal. Steel is used for the higher notes, while the lower notes are produced from copper-wound steel.