Erhu Brands

[jetz320]

I would like to know what brands people think are the best for erhu. Also, where are the good shops in Beijing? I want to buy another erhu because my erhu has cracks that come out of nowhere and many scratches. The tune is getting better but not like a regular erhu. In my orchestra, there are cheaper ones that sound better! The front string (If 1=D) 5 is so metalic! It has nothing to do with the strings or the way I tune though. So I want to buy a Wanqixing erhu. If I can find a good afforable one. Is Dunhuang a good brand? I just bought a Dunhuang Dizi and it's not the best of quality although it sounds alright. Thanks for all the help! ;D

[calden]

For the sound, try different bridges. This is the one spot on the instrument where everything you play gets transferred to the head. Different bridges made of different woods and with different shapes can dramatically alter the sound.

For the cracks - that's probably due to the erhu having been made in a more-humid environment than where you live. This is a common problem with inexpensive instruments made in Asia and exported to the US of A. I live in a dry climate, and it's common to see guitar frets on the cheaper models sticking out a little bit, after they've lived here for a few months and gotten adjusted to the climate. It's not much - maybe 1/64", but enough to feel it when you play. I have to carry bandaids with me.

Carlos

[YouLanFengChune]

Jets, a Wan Qi Xing is a safe bet, but its not a 100% foolproof one. I do have a recommendation though. The $320 version on Cadenza. The picture is deception, as we have made better looking erhus than the picture you see. Its made in Singapore, comes with a License, complete with 5 year warranty. (engraving on side includes the Lunar year, upon request by my Tokyo distributors).

The wood of a specific ONE i recommend is of aged rosewood, and the scales are DOUBLE the size you see on the pictures. Sounds nice and deep.

[YouLanFengChune]

cracks have many forms. If your wood is not sufficiently dried out (or aged) the dryting in places tend to cause problems. However, in my case, we use only 2 types of aged rosewood. Beams and pillars, (cheaper) or furniture bought on ad hoc basis (expensive) These are confirmed AGED rosewood.

[song]

If you're ever in China you can personally test the Erhus in the shop and find one that you like. But the salesman can be deceptive. But having played in an orchestra you probably would have enough experience to identify a decent Erhu. Wan Qi Xing is a safe choice. Dunhuang is very good brand and they make much better Erhus than Dizis. Test a one or two to avoid the occasional lemon.

[jetz320]

Thanks for all the help. Does Wan Qi Xing make aged rosewood dragonhead erhus? I want one of those. A nice sweet sounding one. My teacher has one of those. Except I don't know the brand that it is from.

[YouLanFengChune]

i have sent some pictures to your email.

Thank a look