The Pipa has one of the richest histories of the traditional Chinese instruments, and has proven itself to be one of China’s most representative plucked string instruments. When you purchase a Pipa, you own a piece of history that people once thought was not worth preserving.
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Level: Beginner – Intermediate
Tonal Quality:
Sitting comfortably on one’s legs, a good Pipa should have a proper distribution of weight, allowing the performer to handle it with ease. Be it crossing strings, changing of left hand positions, or the performance of extended techniques, one should feel unworried and relaxed throughout the course of your music making. With it’s clear, rounded notes likened to pearls falling onto a jade tray, this characteristic should ring true even at its lower registers, imbuing the Pipa’s timbre with a sense of focus. What truly sets the PIpa apart from other plucked instruments is the diversity of right-hand plucking techniques. One of the most iconic Pipa techniques would be the tremolo using a cycle of multiple fingers, known as ‘Lun’.
The Pipa has 30 frets. The first six are triangular shaped, often made out of wood, bull’s horn, or even bone or jade. These frets are called Xiang. The rest of the 24 frets are made out of bamboo and are called Ping. These frets are wide and allow for a variety of effects to be played such as pitch bends, where the strings are bent across the frets to change the pitch of the note mid-playing. The wide frets allow for the strings to be bent extensively, allowing for a unique level of expression as compared to other similar fretted instruments. The Pipa has 4 strings that are tuned to the notes A2, D3, E3 and A3, and has a range of A2, up to a G6 if a pitch bend is used.
Due to the amount of pressure exerted upon the Pipa by its four strings, it is important that hardwoods are used to construct its frame. Aside from providing a high degree of structural stability, the type of hardwood used also plays a role in shaping the instrument’s tone color too. It’s soundboard is made of seasoned Paulownia wood, which is carefully fitted onto the frame flawlessly to ensure optimal resonance. High quality materials are ultimately what will allow a premium Pipa to stand the test of time and maintain its value.
Over years of playing, the Pipa will become more attuned to the flow of music making. As it seasons, you witness a myriad of changes. From an improvement in sound projection, responsiveness, and tone color, this is an instrument that matures well. All Pipas undergo many rounds of stringent quality checks before shipping, so you can rest assured even if you choose to buy your Pipa online. We want to make sure we provide you with the best Pipa possible.
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Send us a message now by filling up the form on the right and we will back to you shortly or alternatively, you can also chat with us now. Your private information will be safely kept confidential with us.
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