Selecting my first erhu

[bookyeti]

I was so pleased to find this forum. Very informative! I've been lurking for a few months now and soaking in all of the awesome info and experience on here, and decided it was finally time to make an intro post myself.

I am new to the erhu... so much so in fact that I don't have one yet - but I'm working on remedying that. I live in a very rural area in Canada. My Dad, who sadly passed away a few years ago, was Chinese and listening to traditional Chinese music, particularly the erhu, evokes wonderful memories of him. The erhu's beautiful haunting sound has always 'spoken' to me but recently wanting to learn how to play it has become an obsession of mine. I don't have any formal instrument/music training or experience, except that I have pretty decent pitch in singing. 😉 Rain in Jiang Nan is my favourite song on the erhu!

I've been in touch with Zhensin at Eason Music and I am narrowing down my search for my first ever erhu. For months now, I have been researching and also listening/watching videos of each of Eason Music's erhus along with their helpful demos, reviews and blog entries. 

I've just about settled on the YKM Aged Rosewood Erhu (YKM1). I was initially considering the Ebony Wood Erhu by Shanghai Dunhuang, as I do like dark/mellow tones, but preferred the sound of the YKM aged rosewood a bit more.

I was wondering if I could get some input on what you, as seasoned erhu players, feel is the best one to go with. As shipping cost to Canada is not a minor consideration, I won't be looking for an upgrade any time soon, so figured I should purchase the best instrument possible that fits in my budget ($700 CDN is top of the line for me).

I already have Patty Chan's excellent book and will be getting lessons from Eason as well. I know that is very important, as self-learning is not the best route to go. Unfortunately, there is no one local to take in-person lessons from.

[edcat7]

Hi bookyeti and welcome.

The YKM1 is a fine erhu and was one brand I had considered on getting. The erhu's tone will over time become more mellow and louder and using a darker bridge may make a slight difference. I wouldn't be tempted to upgrade your erhu, I have three erhus (one on permanent loan to a friend) and any one of them I would be glad to have as an "only erhu".

I like your motivation on learning the erhu, my late dad used to hum "La Paloma" except I didn't know what it was called at the time. So when I learnt it on classical guitar it brought great joy to me.

Especially in these pandemic times learning via Skype and especially Eason's own tuition is a great idea. When I finally retire I plan to use Eason's tuition on the liuqin.

Take care of your erhu when it arrives.

Best wishes, Ed

[bookyeti]

Thanks so much for your reply, Ed! I'm very pleased to get confirmation that YKM1 is a good choice. I really love its sound and like that it's made by an indie luthier. Eason is currently out of stock, so I'm (trying) to be patient till they're back next month. I am so eager to get started!

Yes, good memories of a loved one are always a great motivating force. 'La Paloma' is lovely!

[bookyeti]

Well... so much for patiently waiting for new YKM1 restock. LOL! Decided to upgrade and purchase the YKM3, which was in stock now. So excited!

[edcat7]

I have trouble finding my way around Eason's new layout. Which one is YKM3? Oh yes I found it. Congratulations.

[bookyeti]

Thanks!