Bamboo 3 Octaves Chinese Hulusi Flute Woodwind #105 + Case + How to Play Guide

First of all, "3 Octaves" is simply wrong; as on standard hulusi, the range of melody notes is an octave and a perfect fourth. The description "3 octaves" apparently is a reference to the two drone pitches, but those are both within the range of the melody notes, so even with the kindest interpretation, "3 octaves" is simply wrong. I naively thought that I was buying an instrument with a greater range of melody notes than the standard range.The instrument has a reasonably nice sound, but it seems to me like a beginner level instrument, which was not the impression I got from the advertisement. I realize that you get what you pay for, but I thought that this would be a step up from the least expensive beginner instruments. I'm not convinced that it is.I bought this model partly because of the detachable pipes. It's fortunate that they are detachable, because the reeds got clogged with moisture almost immediately the first time I played the instrument; one has to be careful to blow as little moisture into the instrument as possible. Removing the pipes was a bit scary; they were very tightly fitted on, and the pipes are made of fairly thin metal, so I was afraid that I might be breaking the instrument. The instruction booklet does recommend lubricating the joints-- with vaseline, of all things-- but they do not seem to have been lubricated at all before the item was shipped.The drone pipes are activated and deactivated by means of plugs; I don't think they could be changed while in the middle of playing a tune. I thought that at least one of the drones was operated by opening and closing a hole with the pinky of the left hand, but that turned out not to be the case.The instructions are written in English, but clearly not edited by a native English speaker. The use of western music terminology is completely garbled (although not as bad as the description of the instrument as a three-octave instrument), and the information density on the whole is pretty low. It's better than nothing, however.On the whole, I am disappointed. I think I would have done better to buy a beginner level instrument, and then step up to a serious instrument after playing it enough to be comfortable with it. This feels more like a toy than like a real musical instrument, although as I said, the tone quality is reasonably good.

Very good value on a decent entry level instrument. It is good enough for a non player to use as an effect on a recording. eg a rock or a Pop recording, serious Chinese classical players probably would only teach with this instrument.It is really nice, comes with a case that you can sling over your shoulder than looks and feels good and will last. the flute is solidly made and sounds nice to my ears. The finger holes are unsuaslly spaced for the western player and requires some instruction in fingering and basic playing.This would look nice as a home ornament, you could even tell stories of needing the case for gigs.It's a nice bit of fun.

Upper part of the range is a little weak and the side flutes are harmony instead of extra octaves as the product page implies. Sure, fittings are a little loose and there's a spot in the fingering that American fingers will have to adapt to. But oh, how I love this instrument! In any bar it will rival the bagpipes in popularity (few people actually enjoy the bagpipes) and if you like The Band, this is a great instrument for bringing back those raucous old tunes. Every time I play Rockin' Chair I close by laughing.

It was very slow getting to me (down here in Georgia.) It took about 9 weeks or so.I'm very happy with the instrument though. It's in good working order, and plays in tune.

This is an excellent instrument, with a beautiful sound and reasonable quality materials. The tuning of the various reeds with one another is spot on (which is not a safe assumption to make when buying instruments such as this!) and the included carrying case was a nice addition.I find this instrument to be one of my favorites to just pick up and play, and I have a large collection of instruments, so that is really saying something. I've even been considering buying another one in a different key.It did take a fair bit of time to arrive, but it was shipped from China, and was worth the wait.

This instrument is very complicated to play, and is really unusual. It may be easier if you have experience with a reed instrument. I play flute and couldn't figure it out, but my husband has and it makes a super interesting sound.

I bought this for my daughter and though it took a while to arrive she loved it and started playing it right away. I loved the case and the quality was very good.

this is a beautiful instrument and you can not beat the price

Ich hatte mal aus China eine Plastik-Hulusi mitgebracht, mit der konnte man beim besten Willen nicht sauber spielen, es gab trotz aller Regeln der Kunst noch Nebentöne und Geräusche. Diese Flöte hier spielt sich sehr sauber und sieht zudem sehr ansprechend aus. Lediglich die Hülle stinkt erbärmlich, deshalb ein Punkt Abzug. Ich habe sie vorläufig in den Keller verbannt in der Hoffnung der Geruch gibt sich mit der Zeit. Ansonsten kann ich auch ohne Hülle damit leben oder müßte falls notwendig mir ein anderes Etui besorgen.

Dieses recht einfach und intuitiv zu spielende Instrument erweitert meine Instrumentensammlung für wenig Geld um Exotik und viel Spaß :) die Transporthülle roch zu Beginn stark nach Chemikalien. Doch nach einigen Wochen an der frischen Luft kann die Hulusi wieder in ihr wohnen. Vielen Dank für das schöne Produkt!

Ich habe diese seltene Flöte für den Enkelsohn meiner Bekannten bestellt.Er hat großen Spaß damit und sie klingt sehr gut.