eight sound

…important ancient system called the eight sounds (ba yin) was used to classify the many kinds of instruments played in imperial orchestras. This system was based upon the material used in the construction of the instruments, the eight being stone, earth (pottery), bamboo, metal, skin, silk, wood, and gourd. Stone…

…materials of the bayin (“eight sounds”) classification system established during the Xi (Western) Zhou dynasty (1046–771 bc); the others were metal, stone, earth, skin, wood, and gourd.

…group in the bayin (“eight sounds”) classification. The instrument had fallen into disuse by the beginning of the 20th century but was revived in the last decades of the century. Modern xun, commonly in a nine-hole version with a wider range, can be solo instruments or part of Chinese…