The Yangqin 揚琴 is the Chinese Hammered-Dulcimer - it is the most prominent polyphonic traditional Chinese instrument among the Dulcimer Family. Its origin comes from Ancient Persia through a long history of trade along the Silk Road. The modern yangqin has 144 strings and is played using two flexible bamboo sticks - with one end half-covered with rubber. In addition to being a prominent solo instrument, the yangqin provides great polyphonic support in an orchestra through its low and high range, chords, arpeggios, and sometimes chromatics. It is one of the most important orchestral instruments as it maintains the central rhythm and pace of the orchestra.