Erhu QIANJIN - NUT change

[johnniez]

Hi all.

I was wondering if there is a different type of 'Nut' that one can use?

Anyone tried using a small eyelet that screws into the neck.?

Or something similar ?

tnx
Johnnie

[davidmdahl]

The Vietnamese version of the erhu, called dan nhi, often has something of the sort you describe. Usually the "eyelet" is a wrapping of nylon line (fishing line?) or sometimes a plastic ring connected to the neck via nylon line. I have never seen anything screwed into the neck. Most players want the ability to move the qianjin (nut) up or down to change the pitch of both of the strings. Once you make a hole in the neck with some sort of screw, it is there for good. I would not want to do that to a good erhu.

It is pretty easy to tie on a qianjin with a little practice, and there are some good videos on Youtube. I think that the traditional approach is the best.

Best wishes,

David

[edcat7]

My teacher has a unique method of tying his qianqin; so unusual I'm sure he doesn't know how to tie it correctly. However his modest erhu has for years been my benchmark in sound quality. Only now with my HHR erhu do I think my erhu sounds better than his....and only after a few years of playing on it.

[paulv]

Here's Sung Wah's group of videos

Sung Wah's youtube video group

which includes tying the qianjin and where it should be located according to arm length, etc.

As David mentioned, it is pretty easy to tie and in the past, I've changed mine several time for various reasons. Also, if you use a metal screw-eye, you'll need to add a piece of material (leather works good) inside the eye where the strings touch or you'll get weird vibrations/sounds from your erhu.

Regards,

paul...