Buying a Guzheng

[lantian]

I am a beginner and am currently using a borrowed guzheng while I'm in China, but I will be going home to the US in two weeks *after visiting Japan* and then plan on buying a guzheng there online. Though I had also considered buying a guzheng while in China, my current guzheng teacher and others recommended not to due to the difficulty of transport... So I was wondering what guzheng to buy and where is a good place to buy? I really like the sound of... www.chinesezither.net/collections/guzheng/products/scarlet-bird-zhuque-790-guzheng and www.chinesezither.net/collections/guzheng/products/sound-of-china-golden-thread-nanmu-guzheng-with-dragon-carving, these two guzheng, but I'm not sure if they are too "advanced" for me? The price is not a problem *my parents are splitting with my aunt to pay and don't mind the one thousand dollar range, saying that my younger brother's trumpet was also around this price so if I want the more expensive one of the two then that's okay, but I think 2000$ will be too much*. For the two of them, I really like the Zhuque brand and the sound is very pretty, but I like the appearance *coughs* of the dragon one's oven-dried soundboard *I think a darker soundboard looks nicer, though I prefer pearl inlay designs*, and the sound is also quite nice *though I prefer the sound of the Zhuque more*, while being almost 400$ cheaper *even though my parents say they don't mind the price, after all money is still something to take into account right?*. And I'm not sure if I prefer the sound 400 dollars worth more than the dragon guzheng...

In the end, I'm very conflicted. Or rather than one of those two, should I go with something cheaper and more... "beginner" type? *I'm honestly not quite sure what that really means, but I'm guessing it's a cheaper guzheng? Or easier to play for beginner??* Also if there are other guzheng out there with pretty sound like the Zhuque 790 guzheng *I tend to prefer rich and deep tones* I would like to know so I can check it out...

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to the forum, lantian. I think it is a good idea to order a guzheng once you have returned to the USA. I have purchased two guzhengs from Carol at Sound of China, both Dunhuang, and highly recommend her. I don't have any experience with the models you list. I would expect either to be a good choice though. Since you are conflicted, I suggest contacting Carol at Sound of China. If you can explain what is important to you, based on your experiences so far, she will be able to advise you. She knows her stock much better than any of us.

Best wishes,

David

[21strings]

This might be too late as you may already be back in the US. But I have transported guzhengs on planes from China to Canada three times and never had a problem. The most recent trip I had to pay extra for the large size, but it was only around $70 USD extra. If you are travelling anyway, I have found that the variety and price options in China make it worth it to find one you like in a store and bring it back on a plane. Which ever way you go, I hope you enjoy your new zheng!

[davidmdahl]

I suggest that purchasing an instrument in China is worthwhile if you know what you want, and can discern quality. Dependable advice from someone who has good judgment is a reasonable alternative. Too often, people I know, or know of, have spent a lot of money on instruments in China. When they get them home, the instruments are found to be poor quality or less than was paid for. I suspect that some vendors in China love to dump their slow moving stock on foreigners who do not know enough to choose well. For a parent or beginner who does not have the benefit of the help of someone knowledgeable, I think it is better to work with a reputable vendor.

Best wishes,

David