Mabu is a single-reed air-sounding instrument unique to the Yi people. In Yi language, "horse" means bamboo, and "cloth" means reed pipe, which means a bamboo air-sounding instrument with a reed pipe inserted.

Mabu's tone is crisp and melodious, full of field flavor. Although the shape is similar to the small suona, the tone is rounder and softer than that of the small suona, very close to the high-pitched tone of the oboe of Western instruments, and brighter. This kind of sound has the special flavor of both suona and oboe. The Yi family compares it to the sound of cicadas, and it does have a feeling of intoxicating autumn sounds and autumn colors.

Mabu is often used in solo, ensemble or accompaniment for singing and dancing, and it is a distinctive and expressive instrument. When it is used to play cheerful and lively melodies, it is loud and rough; when it is used to play sad and slow tunes, it is affectionate and slightly nasal; especially when it is played to the long tail, the music is very moving. 

Mabu's playing skills are more difficult, and some fast and complex pieces require more skilled playing skills.