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Ancient depictions 中文   目錄
The guqin as an object
Physical properties, seeing one, acquiring one		 古琴體質
A qin should be hung vertically,
so the wood won't gradually curve
The qin was prized as a collector's item as well as a music instrument (this sometimes
causes problems for players who would like to play an old instrument). Stringless qins,
while they may seem to refer to the instrument itself, concern more the issue of qin ideology.

Links here are to articles about the physical qin, including

  1. Qin Body
    Basic construction, with links to more information

  2. Silk strings
    Compared with metal strings, introduced during the Cultural Revolution
    Plus:  Can metal strings cause damage?
    And:  An article by Wong Shu-Chee.

  3. Tassels (see at right, hanging down from the qins)
    Making and attaching them

  4. Zhen (tuning pegs; the tassels are attached to them)
    Their origin and use

  5. Hui (studs; see at right, along the right side of each qin)
    Their origin and use

  6. Cases for qin
    Modern cases for modern travel

  7. Acquiring a qin
    Some basic rules, silk and metal string differences, and a link to the biggest US source

  8. Qins in public and private collections
    Mostly concerns museums where you can see qins, plus in captivity?

  9. Xiao Xiang Ye Yu,
    The qin used in my CD Music Beyond Sound.

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