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Zheng (σέ Zheng)

Zheng is a stringed instrument with a history of more than 2,000 years. Legend has it that it was in vogue during the Qin (221-206 B.C.) in present-day Shaanxi, and that's why it is also called qin zheng.

According to ancient books, the zheng originally had only five strings and was made from bamboo. During the Qin the number of strings increased to 10, and wood was used instead of bamboo. After the Tang (618-907), it became a 13 stringed instrument.

Today, with 13, 14 or 16 strings stretched on a large oblong wooden resonator, the zheng is able to emit graceful tone. Today it is still very much in use in China for solos or ensembles.

 

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