Nu Guzheng
Key Features
- Multi-sampled guzheng recorded in stereo at 32-bit/44.1 kHz with Blue Spark condenser microphones for clean, authentic tone
- Five sound variations from a single instrument, offering tonal diversity from mellow to bright without loading additional libraries
- Flexible multi-LFO with selectable wave, target, and source (mod wheel, aftertouch, velocity) for expressive real-time control
- Four built-in effects — distortion, delay, chorus, and reverb — plus highpass/lowpass filters for complete sound shaping in one plugin
- Three voice modes (polyphonic, monophonic, legato) with adjustable velocity curves to match different playing styles and musical contexts
- ADSR envelope, preamp, and glide controls provide fine-grained dynamics and pitch behavior for melodic phrases
- Also available as a Decent Sampler preset for cross-platform use on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS
Description
Nu Guzheng is a virtual instrument plugin that faithfully recreates the sound of the guzheng, a Chinese plucked zither with a history spanning over 2,500 years. Built by SampleScience, it uses high-quality stereo recordings captured with a pair of Blue Spark condenser microphones at 32-bit/44.1 kHz, downsampled to 24-bit for the plugin.
The guzheng is traditionally a 21-string instrument that differs from other Chinese zithers like the guqin by its use of movable bridges. Nu Guzheng offers five tonal variations of the sampled instrument, giving you a range of expressive options from a single source.
Sound shaping goes well beyond basic sample playback. The multi-LFO section lets you route modulation from the mod wheel, aftertouch, or velocity to various targets, making subtle expressive differences in how you play a significant part of the sound.
Built-in effects include distortion, delay, chorus, and reverb, alongside highpass and lowpass filters with dedicated cutoff controls. Three voice modes (polyphonic, monophonic, and legato) let you tailor the response to your playing style, and the velocity curve selector helps draw out the guzheng's natural delicacy.
A Decent Sampler version is also available for cross-platform compatibility including Linux and iOS. The plugin version runs as a 64-bit VST, VST3, or AU instrument on Windows 8.1 and above or macOS 10.12 and up.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What sound variations does Nu Guzheng include?
Nu Guzheng provides five variations of the guzheng sound, all derived from the same high-quality stereo recording. These variations give you different tonal characteristics without needing separate sample libraries.
Can Nu Guzheng be used for genres outside traditional Chinese music?
Absolutely. While the guzheng is a traditional Chinese instrument, producers use Nu Guzheng in lo-fi hip-hop, boom bap, trap, ambient, and film scoring. The built-in effects and LFO modulation make it easy to shape the sound for modern production contexts.
Is there a version of Nu Guzheng that works on Linux or iOS?
Yes. SampleScience offers a Decent Sampler version of Nu Guzheng that runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS through the free Decent Sampler player. It features the same sounds with different effects and sound-shaping options.
How does the multi-LFO system work in Nu Guzheng?
The LFO section lets you choose a waveform shape, a modulation target, and a source controller (mod wheel, aftertouch, or velocity). This means your playing dynamics directly influence the modulation depth, making the instrument respond more naturally to performance input.
