Dear Lutists
I just wondered whether anyone would know how the Chinese lute known
as the Nanyin or Nanpa Pipa is strung: wire, silk, gut? I understand
it is played horizonatlly, Is it played with bare fingers, or a
plectrum.
Nanyin pipa (from atlas of plucked instruments):
Besides the normal pipa there is an other style pipa, called the
nanyin pipa, or "Nanpa" or "horizontally held pipa", like in the old
style. It is used in the Fujian region and on Taiwan.
The peghead looks more like a Japanese biwa, bending back. The number
of strings and tuning is the same, but this pipa is not played
vertical (resting on the knee), but horizontal, like a guitar. It
seems this instrument and playing style is older than the normal pipa.
Atlas of plucked instrument examples:
http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/far_east/pipa3.jpg
http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/far_east/nanyin%20pipa%
20ebay.jpg
Would this be a Nanyin Pipa?
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=Mandoline2.jpg
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=Mandoline1.jpg
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=Mandoline3.jpg
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=MandolineDos1.jpg
The Classic Pipa
"The pipa is the main lute of China. Old pictures show it must have
been known for about 1000 years; it is still the most popular plucked
instrument. The name comes from pi (= play forward) and pa (= play
backward)."
The pipa used to be played with bare fingers, although since the silk
string are replaced by steel strings (for more volume) it is played
with nail picks, taped to the thumb and all fingers, or with a
plectrum. It is usually played in an upright position with the body
resting on the left thigh. The picking direction is opposite that of
guitar playing : the fingers flick out and the thumb pulls up (nail
first). By playing "rolls" with alternating fingers a mandoline-like
tremelo is often used. The music is (for centuries) written in
special tablature, indicating string, fret position, finger,
direction, volume, etc."
I note that the Pipa uses tablature, and also finger picks.
http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/far_east/pipa3.jpg
Pipa liuqin (from atlas of plucked instruments):
The liuqin (pronunciation: Lee-oo-chin) is the small relative of the
pipa. It's name derives from the fact that it looks like a willow
leaf (liu is Chinese for willow). It would originally have been made
of willow too, but new models are made of tong and sandal wood. The
liuqin is played with a plectrum.
http://www.atlasofpluckedinstruments.com/far_east/liuqinJPG.JPG
I assume these are Liuquin
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=3c21_1.jpg
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=3cc0_1.jpg
http://s105.photobucket.com/albums/m215/ag-no3phile/lute%20playing/
Chinese%20Pipa/?action=view¤t=39a6_1.jpg
Thanks for any information
Anthony
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