Head Peg Nut Strings Ledge Fret Belly Tailpiece   A pear-shaped 4-string lute-like instrument with a history of more than 2,200 years, the Pipa is one of the most popular Chinese plucked string instruments, and is widely used in both solo and orchestral performances. Serving as stops are the 26 bamboo frets glued on the belly of the Pipa and the 6 ledges at the upper end of the instrument.