Liuqin

The name, Liuqin, comes from the fact that this instrument is made of willow wood and is shaped like a willow leaf ("Liu" in Chinese means willow; thus it is also known as the Liuyeqin). The Liuqin is also called "Tu" Pipa (unrefined Pipa) because it looks like a miniature Pipa. During the Tang dynasty, the Liuqin had only 3 strings. It used to be an accompanying instrument in the Liuqin-xi, a local opera. It has now become a popular solo instrument and is widely used in Chinese orchestras and Chinese operas.

A modern Liuqin's front is made of tung wood and the reverse side, of red sandal. The four strings, tuned to G-D-G-D, are made of steel wires and are stretched over the sound board, which has two holes. The frets, increased from 7 to as many as 24, are arranged in half step intervals. The player plays it with a plectrum, which is made of horn, but more commonly made of plastics nowadays. Clear and bright, the Liuqin is the highest-pitched member of the orchestra. It sounds a little like mandolin and it can produce an exciting and agitating tune when played loudly, yet a sweet and touching tune when played softly.