answersLogoWhite

0

Python skin is the most popular snakeskin to use to make the erhu and its brother instruments (zhonghu, gaohu, etc.) because of the sound it helps to produce. Along with the chamber it is fastened to, it makes a very expressive, soft, and even harsh timbre depending on the way the player uses the strings and bow. Other materials can be used, like synthetic drum skin, wood, or even parchment that would create unique but similar results. The two reasons snakeskin is used more are that it is more traditional and more economical. Traditions are not easily changed because we become quickly attached to our habits. The issue with economy is that it is much easier to get python skin than to spend a lot of time manufacturing other materials, which would be less popular. If it is less popular, less people buy it and the seller makes less profit.

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao
FranFran
I've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is snakeskin used to make the Chinese instrument the erhu?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Music & Radio

Why wasn't the erhu suitable for the orchestra?

Erhu is not suitable in the orchestra, because it only has 2 strings, and symphony compsitions for the violin are usually going beyond the 2 strings that the erhu has, which is middle D and A. The other reason may be, the materials used to make the erhu: the bow of the erhu is made of horsetail, and the soundbox of the instrument is made of snake skin. Therefore, it makes the 'voice' of the erhu sound melancholy, and occasionally it may sound like somebody crying. Thus, it is not suitable to be in an orchestra. But rather, a Chinese orchestra.


Who made the erhu?

Judging by mine, the body, neck, pegs and bridge are all carved out of wood, with some bone (or substitute) inlay at the head and on the pegs. The bow is made from bamboo, with black or white horsehair (use only a dark rosin on it). There is no soundboard, but a snakeskin stretched across the body where the soundboard should be. A small block of wool pad is placed under the strings beneath the bridge to dampen the sound, and a loop of string and wood at the top acts as a nut. I suggest you not to make your own erhu, since that it is not going to be successful.


Which type of percussion-instrument is a pianoforte?

A piano is both a percussion instrument and a string instrument. Inside a piano, tiny hammers strike strings to make pitches. It is a string instrument in that the strings are what vibrate to make the sound, but it is a percussion instrument in that it has a keyboard and strikes to make sound.


What is the musical instrument of hudhud aliguyon?

If you press the hudhud instrument it'll make a low pitch sound but if you press it upward it will make a hudhud sound.


What kind of sound will an instrument with short strings make?

An instrument with short strings will make a rubber band type sound but real high pitched.