The Xiao Family: The Qin-xiao is the narrowest of the xiao it is tuned in F is meant to accompany the guchin (zither). This variety of flute has eight finger holes.
Name: Xiao (pronounced "siao") or dong-xiao.
Type: Notched flute > Aerophones.
Region: China > Far East Asia.
Dimensions: Length 85 cm.
Specimens: A total of 3 xiao.
Acquisition Sources: Rene Hugo Sanchez (on trip to china), one specimen; the 2nd specimen, the second and third chiaos are from Chinatown, Vancouver Canada.
Description: The xiao [pronounced "siao"] is an open-ended or notched flute carved
from bamboo. In the rein of Emperor Qianlong the xiao was associated as
an instrument who was played in the royal courts. The over all length
of the xiao is 75cm to 85cm or 45cm or 1.25m; most of the xiao have 6
or 7 finger holes. The xiao is played by the Qiang people in South
Western China. In Taiwan the xiao is called "dong-xiao". It’s known
that the xiao is the predecessor of the Japanese shakuhachi and the
Korean Danso. The xiao is tuned in a pentatonic scale the pitches are
in G, D, C or F, F# is not used that often although some xiao are
available in this key.