|
Post by torp105 on Dec 25, 2017 17:31:12 GMT
Hello world,
I am new to the erhu, I just got one recently. However, I have been running into a few snags. First of all I broke one of my strings trying to tune it, needless to say I have ordered some new ones. My biggest problem is that I can't seem to get a clean sound out of the instrument for the life of me. Half of the bow makes an ok sound while to other half of the bow makes a sound equatable to nails on a chalk board. I am new to stringed instruments in general, so i could be just making a basic mistake. I have also noticed that when i pluck the string it has A LOT of overtones in its sound, is that normal? Any help would be appreciated, and if there is anything else that you want to know that would help, don't hesitate to ask.
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Dec 26, 2017 4:28:26 GMT
Welcome to the forum, torp105. There are a number of things that are possibilities. It would help us if you could post a few photos showing the the head, qianjin area, and face of the snake skin. There are some good videos on YouTube on setting up an erhu, particularly by Eason Music.
Best wishes,
David
|
|
|
Post by torp105 on Dec 29, 2017 18:54:21 GMT
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Dec 30, 2017 4:07:26 GMT
I don't see much wrong in the setup as indicated by the photos. The strings on the pegs should loop off as close as possible to the end of the peg. The distance between the strings and the neck at the qianjin should be about the width of a thumb. It is hard to tell for sure, but it looks okay in the photos.
When you install the new string, be sure that the strings do not cross each other. This is really easy to do at the qianjin. (I know about this since I have done it. Fortunately, I noticed the problem before breaking any strings.) The D string should loop off the top peg to the left. The A string loops off the right side of the lower peg.
The location of the qianjin looks okay. If it is too high, the distance between the notes will be greater which may be uncomfortable for a small hand or beginner. The string tension will also be greater. Advanced players will often use a high quanjin to make the upper positions easier, since the distance between the notes will not be so close.
A lower position for the qianjin will be more comfortable and less tension on the strings, but the sound quality will be a little less. This is a better position for a beginner.
The bridge looks a little tall. You could experiment with different bridges if you have them, or file a little wood off the bottom of the bridge. I don't recommend this with your only bridge though. Once the wood is gone, you can't put it back.
Best wishes,
David
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Dec 30, 2017 4:18:53 GMT
Some other thoughts. After the new string is installed, you might try to adjust the pad under the strings if the sound is too ringy. I have better results with a thick felt pad. Foam pads sometimes don't put enough pressure on the strings and snake skin, especially with a tall bridge.
Make sure that your bow is well-rosined the full length of the bow, on both the outside and inside. I recommend a good quality European violin rosin. Often times the Chinese rosin that comes with a student quality erhu is not very good, and is maybe past its shelf-life. I am currently using a light-amber violin rosin from Bernardel. I have also had good luck with Pirastro Obligato. The "right" rosin may depend on local humidity and other conditions, so you may need to experiment.
Best wishes,
David
|
|
|
Post by torp105 on Dec 31, 2017 23:43:28 GMT
Thank you. I have tried most of the suggestions you have stated except filing the bridge, and using a cloth rather than foam. I should be able to get my hands on a file in a week or so. If I were get a cloth what cloth, should I get, I would imagine that a plain old portion of dish cloth would not work.
Also, For some reason my erhu sounds more like a viola than an erhu, is there any fix for this, other than filing the bridge and using a cloth?
I am sorry if I don't sound overly grateful. I am very thankful for your help, I would never would have been able to make it this far with google alone. Again thank you.
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Jan 1, 2018 4:47:24 GMT
I normally use the thick and dense felt damper sold online for the purpose. In a pinch, I will use felt from the local fabric store. The felt I can buy locally is not quite as dense as the damper that comes with my best erhu, but it is better than a piece of a rag, which is better than a piece of old foam.
Best wishes,
David
|
|
|
Post by davidmdahl on Jan 1, 2018 6:35:16 GMT
There are good videos on Youtube that can help you set up your erhu properly, but these are no replacement for an experienced player or teacher checking it out in person. I did what I could with the photos you provided. Maybe a video or even just audio would give us more to go on.
David
|
|
|
Post by torp105 on Jan 9, 2018 19:02:34 GMT
Ok thank you I will do that. Sadly because of some circumstances I won't have access to my erhu for quite a while. Thank you for your help anyways.
|
|
|
Post by ntp0210 on Mar 19, 2018 20:01:15 GMT
I want to suggest one thing. When you play, you want to apply pressure with your bow hand to get a clean sound. But when you apply pressure, you want to move the bow with confidence as well. Bow control is something a lot of people overlook. From something as simple to playing soft notes to jumping bow techniques, bow control is always implemented. I am not talking about the direction the bow is going, but rather the appropriate amount of pressure applied, the speed you move the bow in accordance to the pressure, how well you cross over from inside string to outside string with no break in the sound, and etc. People often focus too much on the fingering or the challenges of playing short notes in a rapid succession. I would suggest playing slow, classic songs like Jasmine Flower or Descendants of the Dragon. These songs will let the player know how the erhu is supposed to be played.
|
|