Bamboo is the ideal material for a homemade dizi, as it is easy to acquire and easy to manufacture into a dizi. It is also lighter and will likely be easier to play, which is useful if you are a beginning player. Bamboo can come from a regular bamboo plant with any extraneous leaves removed, or you can repurpose another bamboo object, such as an old bamboo fishing rod. [1] X Research source There are different strains of bamboo that can be used; purple bamboo is typically used in the northern regions of China, while white bamboo is typically used in southern China.
Ringed ends: Some flutes have a brass ring around the end. This helps the flute (especially those made of bamboo or other wood) from cracking. Moisture can get underneath the ring, however, and cause molding. These can also be installed on a flute that did not previously have a ring in order to stop a crack from getting bigger. Capped ends: These ends are often made from plastic, cow bone or horn. Flutes with capped ends typically make brighter tones. Moisture can get underneath the cap, however, and cause molding. No ends: You do not need to have any rings or caps on the end of your flute. Instead, you can paint the ends to add decoration, or you can leave them bare. However, bamboo flutes especially may be susceptible to cracking more easily than flutes with ringed or capped ends.
Water-soluble glue, such as the glue specifically intended for adhering the dimo, is preferred, since you may need to adjust the placement of the dimo from time to time. If you use an adhesive that hardens, it will crack when you try to move the dimo, thereby ruining the membrane.
Another option is to use garlic juice to produce a sticky, water-soluble adhesive. Peel one garlic clove and gently rub the freshly cut garlic across the membrane hole. This will leave some adhesive material. [8] X Research source
The membrane will cause the sound of the dizi to be lowered when played. It also limits the playability of high notes. You can use the same dimo for several months on a dizi, but you may need to make minor adjustments as you continue to play. Do not get discouraged if you have difficulties with the dimo. It takes skill and practice to apply the membrane correctly in order to achieve the best possible sound from the dizi.
Since the dizi is symmetrical, it can be held in either horizontal direction, and can be played easily by a left-handed person as by a right-handed person.
Master dizi players typically use several dizis to be able to play in a range of keys.
