Kong Audio Releases Guzheng And NanXiao Chinese Instrument Plug-Ins

Kong Audio has released two more plugins from the Chinee Series, along with Kong Audio Small Host (a very simple host for live performance purpose, freeware). The plug-ins are sample-based traditional Chinese instruments and are programmed with extraordinary delicacy.

ChineeGuzheng: Traditional Chinese zither brought to life at your fingertips

Guzheng, as one of the most representative Chinese instruments, first appeared around the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC), and then became extremely popular during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) and spread to all neighboring areas. Guzheng was originally a rather simple instrument with only five strings. After all the years of evolution, today's Guzheng has 21 strings and is still widely used in all kinds of Chinese music.

Guzheng has a unique, rippling sound character. The playing techniques developed for Guzheng are also unique and distinct, therefore set it apart from any other members in the world's zither family.

ChineeNanXiao: The melancholic side of Chinese flutes

Nanxiao (Southern Xiao) is a bamboo flute of the Xiao family. Unlike Dizi, Xiao has no membrane. Nanxiao is mostly popular in the Fujian area of southern China. Like the Japanese Shakuhachi, NanXiao is the offspring of ChiBa and DongXiao from the Tang Dynasty.

Contrary to the upbeat, happy-trigger sound of Dizi, NanXiao has a more solid yet soothing tone that blends into modern music easily.

The sound character of Xiao is of something more saddened, battered, and is filled with a melancholic mood. It represents a lesser-known spirit in Chinese music, and that is why we bring out ChineeNanxiao as a featured product. The role of NanXiao will no doubt be elevated in the music world once it is properly introduced to the composers in the world.