erquanpond
Novice
Head-Strong and Open-Minded
Posts: 3 
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Post by erquanpond on Nov 18, 2016 9:42:23 GMT
I am an extreme enthusiast on the Chinese culture and it has always been my dream to experience the Chinese culture first hand. I'm a long way off on my dream, but for now I research the culture every day. One thing I really enjoy is the music, however I am still new to this as well. From recent soundtracks I have found that the unique sounds within this genre of music is beautiful and eloquent; the erhu specifically. I would like to take action on what I love in my own country now, and have always wanted to study an art. The erhu is my window of opportunity. I have currently been looking into 1 to 1 sessions where I can learn basics and begin my journey with the erhu and soon will book my first lesson. I am new to the forum and was recently looking into one of the threads and found what everyone was saying to be very helpful. This brings me onto my reason for the thread (finally  ), I would just like some further insight as a beginner, what the need to know basis is. When coming to buy an erhu, what do I need? Whats the most reasonable price range? What is the name of the particular erhu? Is there any upkeep needed e.g clarinets need the wood changing on the mouth piece? And what material is there for me to practise on my own, as this will be my main time to practise. I'm very serious about taking this up as a hobby and would greatly appreciate your help. I know this is large, but if anybody has the time to reply I would be very thankful.  |
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Post by paulv on Nov 18, 2016 13:24:17 GMT
Erquanpond,
Welcome to the forum.
If you can find a teacher where you live, that's obviously the best way. If not, there are online course you can take for various costs. For an erhu, some people on this forum have purchased from Eason and are happy with them. Depending which country you live in, you may need a certificate regarding the snakeskin. If you live in Canada, the last I heard is that they don't allow importation of animal skins, so you would have to buy an erhu with a synthetic skin on it. As far as costs, try to buy the best erhu you can afford -- since these are handmade acoustical instruments, quality varies according to cost.
Regards,
paul...
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erquanpond
Novice
Head-Strong and Open-Minded
Posts: 3
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Post by erquanpond on Nov 18, 2016 13:49:40 GMT
Thank you very much for you response. I have found a teacher and as soon as I receive some income, I will book my first lesson. The Erhu on the other hand is a complete grey area for me, as obviously I wouldn't know a good one from a bad one. From what you have said I will have a look at some erhu's now. Again, many thanks  One last thing, if you own an erhu, what is the name of yours/the brand etc? Thnx |
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Post by eugene on Nov 21, 2016 8:00:00 GMT
The only upkeep will be string and erhu bow which you might need to change every one year plus. Depending on how often you play as well. Some profession player would change every 4-6 mths. For me i change every year. As for rosin, if you get a good one.It should be able last at least 2 years but again it also depend on how often you play as well.
For beginner try not to get a very expensive because you might not know how to take good care of it and you wont be able to play the full potential. When you found a teacher, he/she might be able to get you a good erhu which might be cheaper.
As for brand you can look for Shanghai dunhuang. They are one of the largest erhu manufacturer and
they do produce good erhu as well. My first erhu is from them.
But now i got a better erhu from my teacher.He's from china so every year he will go back china and he will help us to get erhu.
These erhu he got for us are not from famous maker but they very cheap and good.
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erquanpond
Novice
Head-Strong and Open-Minded
Posts: 3
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Post by erquanpond on Nov 21, 2016 9:57:17 GMT
Thank you Eugene,
I would have bought one if you didn't provide me with this information. I will wait until my lessons and then I will ask about erhu's. Thanks a bunch!!!!!!!
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Post by eugene on Nov 22, 2016 2:34:44 GMT
Welcome.
Ya try to look for a teacher first,he/she might have some 2nd hand erhu as well. Which might be cheap and good for beginner.
Later on when you really know how to play then decide which erhu to get.
Because each individual player might prefer different kind of erhu sound. There is no one erhu that can produce all of it.
Eg HHR erhu produce more sweet and mellow sound, YKM are more rich and clear. And Shanghai dunhuang are more bright and loud.
When you know what kind of sound you really like then you will know what maker or erhu to get.
So save up for now first. By then you can get a very good erhu which might cost a few thousand and can last you 20-30 years if you take good care of it.
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Post by tetelove on Nov 30, 2016 7:59:20 GMT
I am new, if someone can help me found a teacher erhu live in longisland I'm looking for my 8 years old daughter thanks
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Post by tetelove on Nov 30, 2016 8:00:46 GMT
At Longisland new York
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Post by davidmdahl on Dec 1, 2016 0:39:42 GMT
Welcome to the forum, tetelove. I am on the other side of the USA, so I don't know much about what is available in your area. You could check with NYC-based musicfromchina.org for information or referral. There is contact information on the Contact Us page. You also might contact Tim Liu at www.2measures.com . Tim plays dizi, but I believe he lives on Long Island. He might know erhu players/teachers in the area. Best wishes, David |
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), I would just like some further insight as a beginner, what the need to know basis is. When coming to buy an erhu, what do I need? Whats the most reasonable price range? What is the name of the particular erhu? Is there any upkeep needed e.g clarinets need the wood changing on the mouth piece? And what material is there for me to practise on my own, as this will be my main time to practise.
