Dizi, which key do I buy?

Question

I think this instrument has a very pretty sound and I was planning on buying one. However I came across a problem, which key do you buy it in? For example, I saw one on ebay which stated it was in G or F key.

How different are they? Are the fingerings the same, but the notes sound different? I play the flute, would that relate to which key I should get?

Answer 1

Generally, Dizi has C and D tune.

For your reference, Chinese musicians often name a Dizi from the note produced when all three left hand fingerholes are closed, and all three right hand fingerholes are open. Thus, a flute marked "C" by the 3rd hole will have a fundamental of G, and be equivalent to a Western fife or flute at G.

The following you could find the difference between the Chinese and Western tune.

Meanwhile, I have myself setup a website for Chinese musical instruments sales, you can find the link at the end of the answer.

Chinese Western Name (For same flute size)
(3rd hole) (6th hole)
C G
D A
F C
G D
A E
Bb F