Serious Question: Mandolin Strings on Liuqin?

[aeliascent]

Hi folks,

This is my first post and my first ever venture into Chinese instruments. I'm ethnically Chinese myself, but my family has been out of China since the 1920s so I'm not exactly as well connected with my people's culture. As a result, I want to play a Chinese instrument... and Squier CV Telecasters don't count  

I just ordered a Shanghai Dunhuang Liuqin after a western mandolin purchase fell through on Facebook marketplace, and I'm wondering if putting mandolin strings on a liuqin would damage it. Of course, I won't put all 8 strings on, just four strings, most likely GHS Phosphor Bronze Ultra Light strings. I understand that there is nothing traditional about it, and if I want to learn traditional liuqin, I should do it properly. 

Thing is, I want to play traditional mandolin songs on the liuqin, if you count Battle of Evermore as traditional... Would it damage the instrument due to the extra tension? Or would the liuqin be able to handle it? 

Thank you for your patience while entertaining such a strange question! 

For my next question: What if I put a Lollar P-90 on it? jkjk don't answer that lol Sacrilege! 

[davidmdahl]

Welcome to the forum, Aeliascent. Congratulations on your liuqin. They can be a lot of fun, and the mandolin comparison is reasonable. I don't know if mandolin strings are right for liuqin, but it is worth a try. The main thing would be to avoid putting thicker strings on the liuqin than are standard. My guess is that if you are careful about the gauge, it should be fine. You might contact Sung Wah at Eason Music about your question. He is well familiar with both mandolin and liuqin.

I don't think you need to be worried about what is appropriate when playing or modifying Chinese instruments. Instruments after all are just tools for being musically expressive. If you can get a pickup installed successfully on your liuqin, go for it! Most modern Chinese instruments are quite a bit different from what they were 100 years ago, or even 50 years ago.

Best wishes,

David

[aeliascent]

Thanks David! I just sent Mr. Wah a message via his website.

I think the pickup would have to wait haha. I'm already working on rebuilding an Epiphone Sheraton and modifying a Gretsch Jim Dandy.we'll see about the electric liuqin. And I think gold foils would fit the aesthetic much more... now that i think about it.

[edcat7]

Nov 25, 2017 1:32:37 GMT aeliascent said:

Thanks David! I just sent Mr. Wah a message via his website.

I think the pickup would have to wait haha. I'm already working on rebuilding an Epiphone Sheraton and modifying a Gretsch Jim Dandy.we'll see about the electric liuqin. And I think gold foils would fit the aesthetic much more... now that i think about it.

Hi and welcome,

It's been a long long time since I've played my liuqin but I have I think a K&K pick-up; the same one as used by my teacher. I will get back to you regarding model number.

Ed

[dawei]

I suggest NOT using mandolin strings, but rather these strings made for liuqin:

www.redmusicshop.com/Accessories/Strings/Liuqin%20Strings

www.redmusicshop.com/Accessories/Strings/Liuqin%20Strings/Liuqin%20strings,%201%20set,%20No.1%20-%204

String tension and intonation will be much better than using mandolin strings, trust me, I've tried!