Second-hand erhu (30 yo) - what to look out for?

[jonatortue]

Hello everyone,

I have finally decided to take the step and buy my first erhu! I was going to buy one from Eason Music Store (online) because they seem very reliable, but have found someone selling a second-hand one just near where I live and would like your help on deciding whether it is worth buying? There is probably already a thread on what to look for when buying second-hand, but I could not find it. If not, could I have a 'list' of things to check when I will go and have a look at it?

The erhu was bought and brought back from China in 1987 (so at least 30 years old) and was never played since. 
You can see a few photos here

A few of my thoughts:
Is older better with erhus? (for instance like with violins). Or will a new instrument be more 'reliable'?
The skin seems really dry, is that a bad thing? 
It is octagonal in shape, which I have read on other threads is better than hexagonal (I would buy and hexagonal from Eason).
Is there a way to check how good/bad the wood is?

Thanks a lot for your help!


Jonathan 

[edcat7]

Hi Jonathon and welcome,

It's a budget erhu, because of the brass tuning machines, the skin is only so-so. Are you based in France?, because the postage and packaging would bump up the cost too.

As regards what to look for in an erhu: avoid brass tuners and as a general rule the larger the scales on the skin the better, 11 or 12 scales at it's widest.

I would leave it and get a better one from Eason.

Best wishes,

Ed

[davidmdahl]

Older is not usually better for most musical instruments, and this is true in particular for erhu. The snake skin degrades over time. Photos aren't always helpful, but in this case, the snake skin looks worn. It probably sags too. Older wood could be a good thing since the best wood was more available 20 or so years ago, but that would be more likely in a better erhu. I agree with Ed, that this looks to be a beginner's instrument.

The brass tuners are not necessarily bad, but they are usually used on lower cost instruments. If you were able to examine the erhu or have it evaluated by an expert you can trust, it might be a good risk. Otherwise, I advise getting something you can afford from Eason Music. You are much more likely to get an erhu that is a sound instrument, and ready to play.

Best wishes,

David

[jonatortue]

Thanks a lot Ed and David!I will go and have a look at it anyway, but I think I'll order one from Eason.

[fatpanda]

A bit late to reply jonatortue but maybe a reference for others

An old erhu is great if it has been used for many years. The more it is played, the better it should sound. But there are other concerns.

Like if the owner took care of it or not. David pointed out and important thing, the snake skin might be a bit loose and a bit dried up. There is nothing you can do if it is loose. You can only have it replaced and in most case, its not worth it unless the wood is very good and precious. I feel that the snake skin plays a very big part (beside the wood)in the quality of the sound. So, I don't know if antique erhu's value can compare to an antique violin coz violin does not need replacement parts even after hundred of years (correct me if I am wrong)

For dried skin, you can put Lanolin (advice from a chinese erhu web) oil. or according to my teacher, olive oil.

Check the tuning pegs too. If they are faulty, the erhu is no good as it will always be out of tune.