China Story Erhu

The erhu is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, more specifically a spike fiddle, which may also be called a "southern fiddle", and sometimes known in the Western world as the "Chinese violin" or a "Chinese two-stringed fiddle". It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras. It is the most popular of the huqin family of traditional bowed string instruments used by various ethnic groups of China. A very versatile instrument, the erhu is used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements, such as in pop, rock, jazz, etc.

The erhu consists of a long vertical stick-like neck, at the top of which are two large tuning pegs, and at the bottom is a small resonator body (sound box) which is covered with python skin on the front (playing) end. Two strings are attached from the pegs to the base, and a small loop of string (qian jin) placed around the neck and strings acting as a nut pulls the strings towards the skin, holding a small wooden bridge in place.

The erhu has some unusual features. First is that its characteristic sound is produced through the vibration of the python skin by bowing. Second, there is no fingerboard; the player stops the strings by pressing their fingertips onto the strings without the strings touching the neck. Third, the horse hair bow is never separated from the strings (which were formerly of twisted silk but which today are usually made of metal); it passes between them as opposed to over them (the latter being the case with western bowed stringed instruments). Lastly, although there are two strings, they are very close to each other and the player's left hand in effect plays as if on one string.

To ensure the maximum accuracy and musicality in the reproduction of this complex and beautiful sound, Sound Magic invited the virtuoso from the prestigious China National Orchestra in Beijing to record their wide variety of sounds. To make it easier for you to sound like one of these world reknowned Erhu performers, Sound Magic has developed a simpler set of controls to let you control all 100 skills on the fly.

By using the best recording gear available on the market, including a Neve 5088 console, dCS 905 AD converter and Beyerdynamic MC740 Microphones. China Story Erhu brings you super clarity and an expressive sound. Erhu has over 3000 samples, each recorded with 24-bit/96kHz resolution for maximum fidelity.

Another critical feature in China Story Erhu VSTi is its use of the powerful Sound Magic Add-on System. Bringing unlimited extension possibilities to the instrument, each Add-on focuses on solving one specific problem with the aim of a thorough - but lightning quick - solution. Every musician has his/her own needs, their own challenges and the Add-on System is the ideal tool, providing solutions with great precision and flexibility. With the Add-on System, China Story Erhu becomes even more versatile. With the right Add-on, you can even create an awesome violin.

Features:

• High Quality 24-bit/96kHz Resolution Samples.
• VSTi/AU/ Kontakt Format.
• VSTi supports Sound Magic's Add-on System.
• Patented Multi-Dimension Vector Synthesis (MVS) Technologies.
• Over 3.2GB size and over 3000 samples.
• Key Switch, Mod switch different groups of samples.
• Multi Layer Velocity Sample provides realistic experience.
• Unique Effects Samples.
• Over 20 categories, 100 kinds of performance skills.