"Breaking-In" sound of erhu?

[hhxevo]

Hi, I am a newbie self-learning Erhu. 

I've received my erhu which is Dunhuang 04a. Everything is good, the tag says Dunhuang 04a, except for the pegs looked like the ones on 01a though the resonant box has the exact pattern of 04a. Besides of the pegs, I love this erhu.

I've read posts in this forum, I often read that the erhu sounds good when it has "breaking-in". How come i know that my erhu has "breaking-in" or not? I've played my erhu from end of june til now. I practice almost everyday 1-2 hours. How long does it take to "break in?" 

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to the forum, hhxevo. The break-in period for an erhu varies a lot. I don't know what to expect of an entry level Dunhuang, but I suspect that the break-in period is pretty short. Longer periods might be expected of a high-end (expensive) erhu. Chances are good that your erhu is about as good as it will get. You can slow down the sagging of the snake skin by relieving the pressure of the strings and bridge against the skin with a length of pencil.

Best wishes,

David

[hhxevo]

Thanks David for your insight,I still curios about the break-in matter, what do you think about dunhuang 07A or 08A? Do they have break-in periods? If not what dunhuang erhu types that have it?

I asked about dunhuang coz it is the only available brand that I can trust and have official store here. Thanks.

[edcat7]

Hi hhxevo

I don't have a Dunhuang and incidentally my first choice of erhu was going to be a 07A. However I don't think the difference between a 07A and what you already have is that great.

I would play your erhu for at least a year before thinking of upgrading and then perhaps I might look at Eason's site and get a YKM.

Ed

[hhxevo]

Hi Edcat7,

Thank you for your reference. Btw, what kind YKM erhu do you have? I've open eason website but there are so many types of wood and prices. Could you rate the erhu according to the wood it self? According to the web Indian Small leaf sandalwood is the best.The other issue by ordering overseas is the custom, I afraid it will cost me so much. I will seek for info for that matter.

[edcat7]

What erhu you buy depends on how much money you have, how seriously you take it and tuition.

My teacher has a budget erhu but he's had it for so many years it sounds great. I have a HHR Ming Qing rosewood erhu and it's the last erhu I will ever buy. Even after a couple of years playing it still hasn't reached it's full potential. I also have a LLS (small leaf) sandalwood erhu which took about three years to fully mellow. Should I have stopped buying erhus after my LLS?.....probably.

Don't be tempted as I did to upgrade soon, you'll never stop until you've bought the most expensive erhu available. Then you'll trully realise 90% of the sound comes from the player.

[eugene]

I would say is one of the best Indian Small leaf sandalwood but its also very expensive at least US$5k.
If you are getting for Eason they do come with CITES certificate. You can check with them before buying just to make sure.

I suppose breaking-in sound will take quite sometime at least a year I guess. Because its not just about the snake skin loosed but also the wood. When the wood become more seasoned, it will some more mellow and sweet.

[hhxevo]

Edcat, I've checked the HHR MQ Rosewood, it is beautiful. Currently I am saving to upgrade my erhu, it seems will take sometimes until I could afford it.

Hi Eugene, I second to you. The small leaf sandalwood is the best for erhu. I've browsed this forum and the majority said so. Unfortunately the price is beyond my grasp. I could buy a complete artist series drumset with the budget hahaha.. (I play drums and fell in love with erhu).

Btw, does anyone know what erhu that Jia Peng Fang is using in his albums? The maker and type of wood maybe.