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Post by Vi An on Dec 5, 2004 20:04:47 GMT
Good question I'd like to also add on this one. I have seen a few of them made available on Ebay and often I have been tempted in getting one. Judging by the appearence alone sold me because its a very unique look and really well crafted (attention to detailing and the sort).
The first time I heard and seen one of these gu zhengs actually was a concert, the performer played BEAUTIFULLY and the sound of the instrument came across really really grand! I then noticed on a VCD of gu zheng appreciation (which David sent me!) that a Scarlet Bird Brand gu zheng was performed on. Judging by the tonal quailty I realized it was pretty robust. It had a tone quality which I prefer because it was very mellow and woody but still bright each note rang just enough but NOT tingy, sharp and too sustained.
I'd like to learn more about this particular make too.
Thanks,
Vi An.
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Post by carol on Dec 17, 2004 21:30:16 GMT
I recently acquired a Scarlet Bird (Zhuque) Guzheng. Their best model, Model #10. The sound amazed me so much!!!
I've seen many of their guzhengs in Taiwan, but didn't really have good impressions. Now, I figure those are just lower class models. And this one, model#10 is totally different. It provides the loudest sound I've ever seen in guzhengs, and yet, each note is clear. It sounds like a Steinway & Sons grand piano to me.
For the lower class models I've seen, they are loud, but hollow and blurring in middle and low range.
Here is a quote on how their guzhengs are different from others in making:
"The body board made of Tong tree, which is artificially hollowed out in the middle, has greatly improved the sound quality of the instrument. First, it needs a thick wood of Tong tree that has the same size as the body, the back of which engraves the sound grooves. In order to guarantee the sound waves unimpeded, there is no strut in the acoustical resonator. Secondly, the radian of the board is formatted naturally so that the trace and pore of the wood will not be distorted artificially...."
Basically, I found that the sound grooves at the back of the main board is the reason why it's so loud. I think that's also a technique in making the Japanese Koto. Also, there are only two sound holes at the bottom, just like the Koto as well.
And also, it sounds like a wood instrument, not like Dung Huang's guzheng that has a metalic tone in it.
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Post by YouLanFengChune on Dec 17, 2004 23:26:38 GMT
hmm.. I beg to differ.
The higher models of Dunhuang like Tian Zhen Yuan Yun, Jiao Chuang Ye Yu are definitely better sounding than its normal version like Crane to the Sun.
Its metallic tone is not there, especially if you use the higher models.
Reason behind its sharper sound is due to its simplilicity in soundbox design (some other guzheng corrugate their soundbox inner layer, resulting in repeated refractions of sound). A perfect flush board will result in more solid sound. Its penetartion ability is good. And for performers who perform on stage often, its definitely what you what. Zhan Tai Feng (Fighting the Typhoon), played on any other guzheng, in my opinion will never sound "high" enough.
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Post by blueharp on Dec 18, 2004 3:40:07 GMT
Wang Zhongshan plays a Dunhuang Two Crane model that sounds fabulous. I think it is a special model made of old zitan with a one-piece bottom board and that it was made by Master Xu himself.
Doesn't Dunhuang make 5 levels of guzheng?
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Post by Vi An on Dec 18, 2004 7:20:45 GMT
Hello all -- great discussion! Thank you.
I would like to add that it doesn't matter what make or grade of instrument in the end, it is all in the hands and hearts of the performer. They can make anything sound good (in time). As long as the instrument isn't made with inferior material and ONLY the most care and super craftsmanship was put into the making, it will "sound" over time the way you want it to.
I have a 1/4 size guzheng (for travel) purposes and its the loudest most resonating instrument I have and funny thing is on my latest CD "Kuan Shi Yin" it sounds the sweetest! I've also been playing it for 2 years now and noticed that over time the instrument starts to respond a little better as you learn a little more about its temperments.. The combination of bridge alignments, placement and string tention all account for tonal quality and projection of sound. Further more, the height of the stands, what room you perform in, the floor and the ceiling all play a key role in how you hear the instrument.
With purchasing an instrument via internet correspondence only is really a game of chance! You just simply take the words of others and sometimes words are really sweet. If I'm going to pay $1250USD + for a custom guzheng I expect one of the master craftsman to have actually played it once to make sure he is completely satisfied with the over all sound or risk a refund. I WISH I had the opportunity to travel and pick out an instrument myself, but for an aspiring artist who is completely independent and who's only source of income is through music -- its pretty far fetched at the moment. SO I rely on people who give me my 150% + worth of trust!
My JinYun 26-stringed custom guzheng is still ranked 9.5 out of 10 in my book, then my DUNHUANG double crane towards the sun at 8 out of 10 and lastly my 26-stringed custom dan tranh at 7 out of 10.
A sweet sounding instrument though to begin with helps you to play on it more sweetly and everything just sounds so much lovelier.. In the end I don't care if its a beginner model or advanced to the utmost grade, its about how you play, enjoy and learn off the instrument. As long as you get the value and highest quailty and care towards the making of your instrument thats all that really matters! BUT I wouldn't pay anything over 1500USD for an instrument though, its a bit extravagent unless I was going to offer to pay that!
Bid you all well, Vi An.
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Post by YouLanFengChune on Dec 18, 2004 15:10:16 GMT
I'm a fan of Wang Zhong Shan. I performed as a n accompanist in his recital in Singapore this year. And he is great!
Personally, he uses more henan guzheng now...
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Post by carol on Dec 21, 2004 1:33:05 GMT
Personally, I think Dunhuang has better quality control. I don't really see a bad guzheng with Dunhuang, but neither have I seen a really good one though. (Put aside the one owned by Wang Zhong Shan that was made by master Xu.)
I've seen many Tian Zhen Yuan Yun model, but they are just ok, not "much" different from their lower grade models. The metallic sound is still there, but with thicker resonance. Their export brand "Yun" has better ones, but the retail price in Taiwan is about $3000 US, which I don't think it worth that much. I was actually going to buy one when I saw Yuan Sha's Zitan Yun brand guzheng in DVD, but when I went to Dung Huang store in Taiwan, I couldn't find a good one among the 6 they have in the store. The store manager even asked one person to bring another two they have in other branch. The quality is just not up to the level. I don't even consider paying half of the price to get one of those 8.
I think Jin Yun's zitan guzhengs are better though.
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Post by fraucremer on Jan 4, 2005 22:41:28 GMT
Has anyone ever heard of a guzheng brand named "Plum blossom"? As far as I know they are located in Nanjing/China. Can anyone tell me more about this brand and their product line?
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Post by fraucremer on Jan 20, 2005 12:14:40 GMT
Personnaly there are 3 recommended Brands of Guzheng 1) Dunhuang (where all Zhengs first started being scientific) 2) Jinyun (well respected) 3) Henan Da Her Zheng (quality material, OK workmanship) Yangzhou Guzheng, ZhongZhou Guzheng and all the rest, my friends have suffered enough with them, hence the caution!!! As far as I know the Jinyun is a Yangzhou guzheng. Jinyun is made by the mother company Yinhe of Yangzhou Guzheng.
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Post by YouLanFengChune on Jan 21, 2005 6:38:16 GMT
Hi Well i'm not surprised. Mudan is the Child Company of Dunhuang, and they supposedly make better strings than Dunhuang. Yangzhou has an uncountable number of companies as it was where materials was abundant. I'm sure JinYun was good due to quality workmanship. Yinhe makes reasonably good ZhongRuans. Guzheng wise, Jinyun is better. There was this brand Yangzhou, oh man, it was....nevermind And Oh yes, I forgot to announce to this forum Cadenza has an entirely revamped Guzheng showroom cadenzamusic.biz/guzheng.htmPrices are horribly cheaper (cheaper than Singapore sometimes), and quality is exceptioanllt high, with new patents. For some of the the higher models, you may be happily surprised, having your Guzheng been attested by Xu Zhen Gao..
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Post by Vi An on May 9, 2005 16:30:09 GMT
Well, long time no post!
It appears I'm going to be a mother again.. This time to a Scarlet Bird 26 stringed zitan guzheng. A friend of a friend's is parting with it, so I thought, that instrument will have a good and humble home with me..
I'm so excited that I just can't hide it, I'm about to loose control here, and I know I'm gonna like it!
Oooooh!
Happy playing all you wonderful zheng lovers,
Vi An.
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Post by Charlie Huang on May 9, 2005 17:47:25 GMT
Do post pics when you get it, wouldn't you?
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Post by fraucremer on May 9, 2005 18:50:26 GMT
Oooohhh, you finally get a Scarlet Bird, too! Is it the same model as mine? Hope you'll like it like I do. Please tell us _immediately_ after you have received it.
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Post by Vi An on May 10, 2005 2:39:58 GMT
I sure will post pics of it. You know I would.. Yes fraucremer it is the same model as yours. I will let you know how I rate it too Vi An.
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Post by Vi An on May 17, 2005 4:51:43 GMT
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Post by Vi An on May 26, 2005 23:04:39 GMT
Looks like my new Scarlet Bird 26 stringed zitan guzheng is arriving tomorrow via Fedex everyone!!!!
Can't sleep, I have all my guzhengs out and playing them all one by one until it arrives. HAHAHAHAHAA!
Keep well,
Vi An
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Post by Dick on May 26, 2005 23:12:14 GMT
Well that is just too exciting. How long do you think it will be before you get some recordings on-line for all of us to enjoy and admire?
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Post by Vi An on May 27, 2005 4:00:36 GMT
I will record with it right away within a week. Since it is already broken into I should have an easy enjoyable time recording with it right away! I will have more pieces uploaded soon too because I got a friend to lend me their highspeed internet account!
Thanks for your message!
Vi An.
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