The guzheng is one of the (popular) instruments in China. It has history of more than 2, 500 years. The earliest records of the guzheng (find) in the Warring States Period (战国时期) . The musical instrument later became a (wide) played instrument in China and found (it) way to other countries.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the guzheng and a number of other traditional Chinese instruments experienced a major overhaul (改造) to expand their sound range and improve their expressiveness. The redesign of the guzheng was led by Professor Wang Xunzhi from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. the help of his students, he recorded a large number of traditional guzheng music. Wang spent a few years(design) the new guzheng and completed it in 1958.
The new instrument is commonly used today, is 160 centimeters long and has 21 strings (弦) . The most important change is the new set of strings that are made of steel coated with nylon. This allows the instrument (produce) a greater sound similar to that of a piano. Most guzheng (performer) use this kind today.
