Xiaoruan plastic fuxian (Tailpiece) broke

[hwangyang]

Salutations!

I have a Xiaoruan, supposedly made by Dunhuang (perhaps an older model), which has had a plastic fuxian, or tailpiece.

I am unsure whether my xiaoruan was knocked over , or the strings wound too tightly, but the top part of the fuxian anchoring the strings has since snapped clear off,
rendering the xiaoruan unusuable.

I am happy to provide pictures for reference purposes, but should I superglue the broken fuxian bit back together?

Assistance on this matter would be greatly appreciated!

[edcat7]

Hi hwangyang and welcome. Without photos it's difficult to comment. Some models of ruan have fine tuners fitted at the base which are found in liuqins. I'm sure the entire fine tuner machine can be ordered. Ask Eason of Singapore.

Generally though, my liuqin developed a serious crack which I took to a luthier. The crack was repaired and the repairs are now invisible. Also I'm told according to the laws of physics a shorter scale stinged instrument ie. liuqins, xioruans, will have more intonations problems than a longer scale instrument ie. zhongruans, classical guitars.

The luthier may be able to custom make a fuxian for you.

[davidmdahl]

Several years ago I bought a liuqin with a broken tail piece. Fortunately, it was a Dunhuang model and parts were available. I contacted Sung Wah at Eason Music in Singapore, and a few weeks later I had the replacement parts. I would imagine that the tail piece for a dunhuang xiaoruan would not be that hard to replace. I suggest taking a few photos and contacting Eason Music. I don't think that gluing will be adequate.

Best wishes,

David

[hwangyang]

Thank you very much, edcat and davidmdahl!