Yangqin

The yangqin is a dulcimer originating from the Middle East. Fitted with around 144 steel strings, the yangqin is struck with bamboo hammers with rubber tips to produce a bright tone. Its tone is metallic and quite close to that of the harpsichord. It comes in different sizes. The concert model has a range of four octaves.

The yangqin is in a trapezoidal shape. The sides contain covers which flip open, exposing the tuning pegs. The instrument has five bridges that run down the body. The strings are strapped across the bridges. These bridges as well as the arrangement of the strings allow the yangqin to play chromatically.

The yangqin is a relatively new addition to traditional Chinese music and as such is still constantly changing and evolving.