YangChin
Origin: China
The Yangchin is a Chinese version of a hammered
dulcimer similar to the Santoru, Salterio and other traditional hammer dulcimers.
There are many theories about the origins of the instrument, but most agree it
is an evolution from the Persian and Indian Santurs most likely introduced via
the Silk Road. But the Chinese instrument is now quite unique in both sound and design. The Yangchin has a variety of sizes and tunings available. The instrument is very flexible for a wide range of music, though some tunings are quite limiting.
It is played using two bamboo hammers with leather or rubber tips. The sound can be bright and playful or very exotic with nice deep tones. Our Yangchin is a small student model with 100 strings and three bridges. It was a wonderful Christmas present from Megumi that helped inspire us to finally move foward with a band blending ethnic instruments and electronics.
The tuning we most often use is a more exotic tuning which brings out the most unique sound qualities of this instrument. It is a favorite of ours and can be wonderful just to sit and play for hours.