Sheng is one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments. The instrument existed as far back as 3,000 years ago. This is the only Chinese musical instrument capable of playing up to six notes simultaneously. It is therefore commonly called as the "Chinese mouth organ". Sheng is also the first musical instrument utilizing a "coupled acoustical system," between an air column and a free reed. Sheng consists of 13-17 bamboo pipes with different lengths that are mounted together onto a base. The base is traditionally a gourd-shaped, wooden wind-chest. Each bamboo pipe has a free reed made of brass. Music is produced by exhaling and inhaling the air through a metal tube connected to the base. This beautiful sheng has of 38 brass/bamboo pipes, which is typical of an orchestral instrument.