What is the lifespan of an erhu? (snakeskin-wise)

[d̗̰̗͆͘ǎ͔̱͈̰̬̫ͨ̌ͮͥ͗ͭ̕vid]

I haven’t been playing/owning an erhu for a long time, and I haven’t been living very long, so I wanna ask about how long erhus last.

So higher grade erhus have snakeskin that is tighter and thicker, to increase the lifespan of the skin. Lower grade erhus have looser, thinner skin for the erhu to break in faster for beginners. There is no general lifespan of all erhus,, since it varies by grade, care, usage, etc... Of course there is natural deterioration, so older erhus don’t really increase in value. (Except the wood-like rosewood~~but not ebony lol)

But by estimate, experience, or knowledge, how long will an erhu of intermediate grade last if played regularly? What about higher end erhus? (in terms of snakeskin and years)

Would caring for the skin more make a significant difference in its lifespan? (Like pressure relief, humidity control, moisture control, etc)

I know some players who have had their erhus for a long time, and have given it sentimental value, so they have a reskin, but that’s way too expensive

And how much longer in years would synthetic skin erhus last compared to natural skin?

K bye thanks

[edcat7]

It took me three years before I was fully satisfied that my LLS has completed broken in and I'm not confident that my HHR has fully broken in due to my time working abroad.

With care I'd expect my erhus to last for decades before re-skinning. My first erhu's previous owner had not put a pencil between the strings and soundbox and he had it for six years.Consequently I suspect the snakeskin has sagged a bit.

Eason gave me a very reasonable quote on a re-skin by YKM which I didn't take up since it's now on long term loan to a friend.

[d̗̰̗͆͘ǎ͔̱͈̰̬̫ͨ̌ͮͥ͗ͭ̕vid]

Ideally, where on the soundbox between the strings is best to place a dowel-like object to? Right above the bridge, or directly on the top? I usually put it in the top. Is there a difference? :v

[davidmdahl]

The purpose of the dowel/pencil is to take some of the pressure off of the snake skin. As long as the ends of the dowel are at or a little over the edge of the face, and they don't catch on anything else, it should be fine.

Best wishes,

David

[d̗̰̗͆͘ǎ͔̱͈̰̬̫ͨ̌ͮͥ͗ͭ̕vid]

Thanks : D