Expert: Marbeth - 10/27/2006

Question
i have a chinese instrument called a liu qin which is kind of like a lute but with only four strings. any idea where i could find some information on fingerings, songs for, etc.?
i do know its supposed to be tuned gdgd and that a larger version of this instrument is called a pipa and is tuned adea.
any info you can tell me would be greatly appreciated...  

Answer
There is an instrument called the "kin," a zither-ish instrument. It has a moveable bridge and 13 strings.  Doesn't sound like the same instrument to me.  (The kin is the ancestor of the koto, however.)  There is also a "liu shea-an."  I find no references to a "pipa."

As to tuning, it seems to be fifths (and 4ths - - which are 5ths inverted - - c>g and f>c), as you note.

As to literature specifically for the liu qin, my guess would be anything suitable for a zither (tho you describe it as sort of a lute).

As to notation, some intruments appear to use tabulature, which will be a boon to you!

Since Japanese music and instruments came from China, the "ch'in" might be an ancestor.  A 5-string version is now obsolete; it might be the ancestor of the Japanese "go-kin."  It is a zither-like instrument, too.  The ch'in seems to have been associated with the aristocratic class.  Perhaps this means Chinese poetry and even academic material, as well as other forms associated with this group of people?

On the other hand, your instrument may be one of the many violin-like instruments.  Most of them have a rounded lute-like shape.  I have a feeling that a good number of those come from Middle-Eastern origins, such as the "rebab."

I'd start with the instrument maker, if you can find the company.  (Lark in the Morning, a music shop in the San Fran. Bay area, has a large number of unusual and folk instruments; they're on the web; don't know URL).  If no joy, try the Japanese consulate nearest you.  I don't know where you live, but perhaps it is in a large city that has a "Japantown."  Perhaps Japanese is taught at a local college (or community college - unlikely, I admit).  Failing Japanese, speak to the chairperson of the foreign language departments for a pointer toward someone who might be able to point you somewhere else.  If you hit a wall with Japan, try China.

This is the best I can do for you!  I hope I've been able to give you a couple of pointers in the right direction!  mb