‘Turnable’ Sheng(转盘笙)

Turnable Sheng

(From the left) 36-reed, 24-reed and 12-reed ‘Turnable’ Sheng

The ‘Turnable’ Sheng(转盘笙)is designed by Mr Sun Ru Gui in the 1960s. It is capable of playing all the 12 major keys using a common fingering. This is possible because the air chamber of the Sheng can be rotated (turned) to the desired major key that the Sheng player is going to play. This type of Sheng is commonly used in the orchestra, opera and choir as an accompaniment instrument.