Di
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The Di is a side-blown flute from China. One of the special features of the di is the thin membrane, or mirliton, which is fixed across one of the holes. This membrane vibrates when you play the flute, adding a nasal quality to the tone. The di is important both as a solo and a concert-hall instrument, and frequently appears in Chinese opera orchestras.
| Family |
| Woodwinds |
| Pitch range |
| Two octaves. |
| Material |
| Bamboo and ivory. |
| Size |
| Variable : this example is about 20 in (52 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| The di originated in China during the Han dynasty (206 B.C.-A.D. 220). It may be related to an earlier Chinese instrument, the chi. |
| Classification |
| Aerophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of a column of air. |
| And also... |
| The holes in a di have a variety of functions. One is for blowing into, one is covered by a membrane to add a pleasing buzz, six are fingerholes, and two at the back are for attaching a decorative tassel. |
