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Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Chinese Pipa". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 19, 2026.
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Description
Step into the rich tapestry of Chinese musical tradition with the Chinese Pipa, a captivating string instrument renowned for its distinctive pear-shaped body and enchanting sound. Perfect for both seasoned musicians and curious beginners, this four-string lute brings a piece of history to your musical collection. Crafted with a solid paulownia top and an arched body of solid poplar, the Pipa delivers a resonant and warm tone that is as mesmerizing as its appearance.
The instrument features 24 bamboo frets, complemented by 6 frets with plastic inlay, allowing for a wide range of expressive tones. The headstock and pegs, crafted from poplar, reflect the fine artistry and attention to detail characteristic of traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Designed for comfort and playability, the Pipa includes a bamboo bridge and 4 rosewood pegs, ensuring tuning stability and ease of use.
Whether you're exploring the intricate melodies of ancient Chinese compositions or crafting your own modern pieces, the Chinese Pipa offers a unique voice that stands out in any ensemble. With its total length of approximately 105 cm and a scale length of about 72.5 cm, it’s perfectly sized for an immersive musical experience.
Key Features:
- Four-string lute with a flat, oval, pear-shaped body
- Top: Solid paulownia; Arched body: Solid poplar
- Headstock and pegs made of poplar; 4 wooden pegs crafted from rosewood
- 24 bamboo frets with 6 plastic inlay frets
- Bamboo bridge for richer tones
- Includes gig bag, plastic nails, and nail tape
Product specs
| Available since | January 2020 |
| Instrument type | PiPa |
| Tuning | A - d - e - a |
| Incl. Bow | No |
| Incl. Bag | Yes |
FAQs
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What is the tuning of the Chinese Pipa?
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The Chinese Pipa is traditionally tuned to A - d - e - a, which allows for a wide range of musical expression and is standard for most traditional Chinese compositions.
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Does the Thomann Chinese Pipa Standard come with a carrying bag?
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Yes, the Thomann Chinese Pipa Standard includes a carrying bag, making it convenient for transport and storage.
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Is the Chinese Pipa suitable for beginners?
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The Chinese Pipa can be challenging for beginners due to its intricate playing techniques, but with dedication and practice, it can be learned. Beginners might benefit from lessons to grasp the unique plucking style and finger positions.
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What materials are typically used in the construction of a Chinese Pipa?
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A Chinese Pipa is usually made from various types of wood, with the body often crafted from hardwoods like rosewood, enhancing its resonance and durability.
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent sound quality suitable for stage performances
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Lightweight material compared to stone or horn versions
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Offers a unique resonance with modern acoustic equipment
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Wide range of playing techniques to explore
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Clean sound even with amplification and effects
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Plenty of space between strings for fingerstyle playing
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Historical design with use of diverse woods
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Affordable without compromising quality
CONS
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Some instruments arrive with mold on frets due to prolonged storage
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Delicate construction makes it prone to damage during handling
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Tuners lack precision, reflecting ancient design limitations
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Surface can be easily damaged by certain solvents
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Tremolos can be challenging for beginners
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Chinese Pipa.
Value and pricing
User experience
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A Pipa from AliExpress reportedly offers great sound and accurate intonation, despite its low price.
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Man Rui Xing pipas from the 1990s-2000s are praised for their legendary soundboards and solid Cambodian rosewood bodies, which some players still refret for enhanced quality.
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The Qiu Ting Yu pipas, mainly distributed from Singapore, are considered bright but not particularly distinctive, priced higher for their specifications without standout features.
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Use cases and applications
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Joining a Chinese ensemble can provide practice instruments and learning opportunities for committed Pipa players.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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Cao Wei Dong pipas have been noted for their crisp clarity and punchy bass, making them desirable over time, while MRX pipas are perceived as losing innovative quality.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
751
Very interesting instrument with unbelievable register of tones
I never heard this kind of resonance & a quality with same lute from the, handmade in China and used V centuries Before J.C, and nearly the same with some details like strings, there are plenty of technics you can learn from it, and very surprising. I play it with acoustic amp and a Shure SM57, the sound stay clean in the Carlbro Stingray Lead 150w only made with transistors, even at half position that means 75 w the power doesn't destroy the color of basic instrument. And with some delays / modulations / reverb you get great sounds. If you often practice it is like a little bass with little strings that plays higher frequencies. Used with filter and EQs you can change the resonance ...... and you get non existing acoustic sounds. Thank's to China for his great instruments ... mine was broken in 2 parts just between the wood nut and head during handling in China or before arriving in France .... I had to repair it myself with great care because at this place it is very delicate and you have more than 4 types of wood that you don't find in France. I play it easily with my own nails because very long, I practically never used picks / plectrums because the sound is altered at the attack. I'm like Mike Oldfield and a lot of musicians that don't need anything else than nails you feel all vibrations in your fingers .... tremolos are a little bit difficult at the beginning but with practice you can get very good technique. Normally Chinese musician have false nails glued a little on their nail to obtain their picking result. the great thing you must retain is that you have a lot of place between every steel string (no nylon) but you can quickly feel ill at ease and maladroit because of this great space like a bass at the beginning , tuners are not very precise and very archaic but it is what they only had at his old V century
Artist usage
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Lake can be seen playing a Pipa in this photo.
In this image Yu Zi can be seen playing her pipa at Wake Up Festival 2018. Source: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=BloodyTyrantTW&set=a.1419047954905725
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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