BianZhong is a virtual instrument that captures the unique sound of the ancient Chinese chime bells known as BianZhong. These bronze bells, originating from China—the earliest country to use musical chimes—were historically played melodically and date back between 2,000 to 3,600 years. Traditionally, sets of these bells were suspended in wooden frames and struck with mallets, producing a range of pitches through different striking techniques. Alongside stone chimes called Bianqing, BianZhong played a significant role in ancient Chinese ritual and court music.

This virtual instrument was meticulously developed by recording the original BianZhong housed at the Hubei Provincial Museum, specifically the Marquis Yi of Zeng set. The recordings employed high-quality equipment to faithfully capture the instrument’s rich tonal variety and intricate acoustic nuances. This careful approach ensures that users experience an authentic and expressive rendition of these historic chime bells, preserving their cultural and musical heritage within a digital format.

BianZhong offers producers and composers a distinctive sound source that combines ancient tradition with modern technology. Its melodic bronze tones provide a unique texture suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from cinematic scores to world music productions. By delivering an accurate and resonant virtual reproduction, BianZhong enriches any project that seeks to evoke the elegance and history of classical Chinese music.