Mabu is produced by using the vibration of the reed to excite the air column in the tube to vibrate. Each sound hole can only play one sound, and it cannot be overblown.

In the 1960s, some literary and artistic performance groups in my country began to reform the traditional mabu and achieved remarkable results. The Central Ethnic Song and Dance Troupe tried to use the reformed Mabu for the first time in a large-scale national orchestral ensemble. In the folk dance drama "The Great Change in Liangshan", the beautiful Mabu sound not only enriched the band's expressiveness, but also highlighted the dance music. national characteristics.

The reformed mabu used by the Central National Song and Dance Troupe is made of copper, the reed whistle has been changed from a single reed to a double reed, and there are sixteen sound holes (seven finger holes and nine key holes). Sound range f-f2. Thanks to the chromatic key, several common keys can be easily switched. The timbre is more beautiful and beautiful than the traditional Mabu. In addition to being used for solo, it is also a very expressive instrument in national bands.