bangzi

CLASSIFICATION:   Idiophone, Percussion Idiophone, percussion instrument, Untuned percussion instrument

Western Equivalent – wood block.  

HISTORY:   The bangzi is typically used in opera accompaniment or instrumental ensembles. 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION:   The bangzi is a wooden instrument that comes in at least two sizes. Typically it is around 4 inches long, 2 inches tall, and 3 inches wide and is hollowed out inside.  

SOUND PROPERTIES:   The bangzi is performed by striking it with two wooden sticks of different sizes. It makes a clear, loud and resonant sound when struck.  

RANGE:   Since the bangzi is an Untuned percussion instrument, the instrument creates no discernible pitches, just a variety of sounds.