Classification: In the west the dizi is classified as a "woodwind" in Chinese music the instrument is classifred then as "bamboo" (see Chinese classifcation system) this will be uploaded soon. The dizi are both popular as a solo or lead instrument in the Chinese orchestra but also becoming increasingly more popular amongst the common peoples as well. Some Dizi are often made of jade or jadeite (a jade like stone in apperance, texture and so fourth this material is similar to soapstone).
Playing technique: Traditionally garlic peal (skin) was often the prefered source material for this membrane. The other materials now are "domo" paper, its thinner then tracing paper, and is crumpled up into a very small ball then painstakenly (citing my own experience in this with domo-paper) unravelled and along the grain of the paper the dimaw is placed over the membrane-hole. Some players these days often use "cigarette paper" as a common substitute also tracing paper maybe a substitute. Traditionally dizi players or performers had a set of dizi which allowed for them to play in many tunings.
During performance of the dizi; the vibration of the membrane gives the dizi it's most distintful nasal sound. The dizi has a totoal of seven finger holes. And is in plain appearance or greatly ornamental; sometimes materials such as bone, coloured thread and Chinese caligraphy is also painted on the instrument (often poetry by the makers of the instruments them selves). This membrane maybe of a number of materials that are thin.
(citation from Randy Raine Reusch @ asza.com) The playing technicalities and standards are very high despite how easy the dizi maybe in first appearance when being played. One will learn that the dizi is a very technical instrument and is demending in turn many players show great virtuocity. Also many dizi players (citation from Randy Raine Reusch @ asza.com) are quite technical and are known for their proficiancy but lack the depth that some other cultures may have for bamboo flutes.
Specifications: (according to each specimen): The first professional model I have the one given to me by Randy Raine Reusch is at length from end to end is a total 50cm (centimertres), and outer diameter is 2.9cm. Material is of bamboo (common standard). Has threds wrapped around bamboo, as ornimentation which are painted red per thread wraping. Some poetry is also enscribed into the instrument. this specimen and its standard relatives the dizi has 6 finger holes, has extra accoustic holes (total of four of them near the end of the flute).
My jadeite specimen (Yunnan, China): The jadeite instrument being a specimen that I have is from Yunnan (southern China) is made of this alternate jadeite material. The jade dizi is also popular amongst collectors (citing from Wikipedia's article on dizi) and is also called "yudi". These are not as common as the bamboo dizi are. These sets are often made by the same makers. Some contemporary dizi have small slides for ease of tuning and refined tunings. These are offered for sale through the retailer "Lark in the morning".