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Post by desertdweller on Nov 17, 2010 23:48:43 GMT
Hi everyone, So I'm looking to expand my musical capabilities beyond the piano and guitar, and am looking around for an erhu. As with everyone, I'm trying to get the best value I can. My price range is $200-$350, and if there is a difference in loudness between erhus, I would prefer one that's more mellow. So then I look around the internet and find several companies that seem reputable. Some of the types I'm looking at are the following: Eason - Professional Grade Suzhou Rosewood Erhu - $329 + $45 S&H Eason - Popular Grade Shanghai Ebony Erhu - $299 + $45 S&H CNShope.com - Professional Redwood Erhu T823 - $273 + $45 S&H CNShope.com - Ebony Sandalwood Chinese Erhu (8801) - $256.50 + $45 S&H Carrotmusic - Professional Ebony Erhu - $245 + $50 S&H ShoppingChinaNow - Suzhou Erhu with Shell Inlaying (Redwood) - $215 + S&H A few questions maybe you can answer for me: Is the professional/popular grade meaningful beyond what the target group of people is? Are these standardized at all or is it just a label? Also, is there a significant difference between these erhus in the type of wood? What about the snakeskin? Also, I'm unfamiliar with bowed instruments; what would I need beyond the erhu, a bow, and a case? (sorry if that's a stupid question) Thank you for your time, Desert
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Post by davidmdahl on Nov 18, 2010 16:50:57 GMT
Welcome to the forum, Desert. Of those on the list, I only have experience with Eason. In my experience, there is no standardization in the descriptions given to the erhu and other Chinese instruments. Usually descriptions such as "professional" are not useful for other than comparing with other price points in a vendor's offerings. A serious and experienced erhu player will not play a $300 or less erhu by choice, unless they happened to stumble upon an amazing find. That does happen.
A good erhu tends to be made of rosewood, ebony, or sandalwood, or sometimes of old wood, sometimes of uncertain type. The snakeskin is important as well, of course. Probably the most important factor in the quality of the erhu, is the skill and care of the maker. If not done well, even good quality materials will go to waste, but a good maker can make the best of adequate snake skin and wood.
I think your best chance at getting a good erhu is to find a knowledgable dealer, and ask lots of questions. Unless you can choose an erhu by playing it, you are dependant on someone to make that choice for you. Some dealers will simply fill the order with an erhu that is next off the pile or one that hasn't sold off the floor. When starting out, it is best to order an erhu that has been well set-up by a knowledgeable dealer.
Best wishes,
David
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Post by lk on Dec 10, 2010 18:27:37 GMT
Can anyone recommend a good vendor? I'm just relying on "google" for now!
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Post by desertdweller on Dec 10, 2010 21:15:06 GMT
Eason Music. While I haven't received my instruments yet (on their way though!), the customer support they've given me to help choose between the instruments has been exceedingly helpful.
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