Erhu Strings

[yehzhaofeng]

Anyone know where to get erhu strings? Actually, most importantly, Zhonghu Strings. The only store nearby that sells erhu strings, only sells erhu and guzheng strings.

Anyone heard of Kai Kai Strings? lol, only 45 cents for the erhu two strings, and 45 cents per string for the guzheng.

Eh, if anyone want some erhu strings, send me 80 cents postage stamps...

Anyways, is there a way of finding good strings? Maybe it's just recomendation based? There's not a lot of choices here in California, and I rarely go up to San Francisco. Places here tend to rip people off. I am getting an erhu soon, and I am pretty sure I am buying online.

[YouLanFengChune]

you can try ww.cadenzamusic.biz/huqin.htm

[damien]

Does the different kind of strings make big differences to the sound of an erhu?

And if yes which do you recommend?

I have seen some made of silver.

[davidmdahl]

I still have the original strings on my erhu, but I think they are Dunhuang or Mudan. These are pretty good in my experience. I plan to replace my strings this weekend with a set of the $16 Thomastic-Infeld to see if I notice the difference.

The quality of the strings, bridge, and bow are among the most important factors in the sound quality and ease of playing of an erhu. The difference in cost between budget and better quality is not that much. It is challenging enough to play an erhu. If an extra $10-$20 will make it easier to sound good, that is a good investment.

Best wishes,

David

[damien]

Thanks David...let us know if the sound of your erhu makes a difference from the new strings

[davidmdahl]

I replaced the strings last night, and can easily tell the difference in sound and response. I don't know if the difference is due to the quality of the strings or their newness, but it was definitely worth doing.

Best wishes,

David

[davidmdahl]

After living with the Thomastik-Infeld erhu strings for about a 1.5 months, I am ready to try something else. At first I enjoyed the increased sensitivity, but I have become dissatisfied with the tone quality, which seems thin and shallow to me. I borrowed my teacher's erhu for a week and really noticed the difference. The stock strings (Dunhuang?) on his erhu were rich and sweet in comparison.

I am tempted to try some silver-wound strings. My teacher likes some from Shanghai but does not remember the brand. I have seen listings for another brand named Fang Fang, which has an expensive silver set "Soloist" and a mid-priced set "Professional". Does anyone have experience with these strings?

Thanks.

Best wishes,

David