How to Put a Dimo Membrane onto the Dizi

Learning the Dizi  -  1. applying the dimo  |  2. how to hold the dizi  |  3. review dizi finger chart  |  4. play

One of the things which make the dizi special, is that it can produce various timbres. This is achieved by a special hole on the dizi, called the mokong hole. It may also be refered to as the membrane hole. The two terms are pretty much the same, no difference.

The dimo membrane is used to cover up the mokong hole. Traditionally, the dimo is made of the inside layer of a piece of reed or bamboo. Furthermore, because a dimo easily dries out, you may need to change it every few hours.

Alternatively, a quick-and-easy method is to use a piece of scotch tape to cover up the mokong hole.

Step by Step Dimo Application

Step 1 Put some water on your dizi near the mokong membrane hole.		Step 2 Use your ejiao, or glue stick, to rub the water around the mokong hole.
Step 3 Gently put the dimo membrane over the mo kong hole.		Step 4 Carefully use your thumbs, or fingers, to strech the dimo membrane tight. Strech to the the sides to try to get some wrinkles into the dimo membrane.

Role of Wrinkles in Dimo Membrane

Please remember, wrinkles in the dimo membrane play an important role in the timbre of dizi notes:

• If the dimo membrane is taught over the dizi, without wrinkles, then the notes will become even.
• A loose membrane with wrinkles can make the instument have a very bright timbre, but generally makes the instrument harder to control.
• A relatively tight dimo membrane, with a lot of wrinkles in it, can be carefully applied by the musician. This will give the dizi a good bright timbre.

If you strech your dimo out right, and get it tight and wrinkled, you should be able to notice the unique dizi timbre.