Erhu, Zhonghu, and other traditional music instruments
- Joined: Jan 28th, 2012
- Posts: 2
Hi there,
I would like to purchase a Zhonghu (中胡) but I do not know where the best and most reliable shops can be found in Beijing. Of course, those with the best prices are welcome but I am more concerned about investing my money in an instrument that is worth it.
Does anybody know about some shops specialized in Huqin (胡琴) or just in traditional Chinese instruments. If by any chance someone knows where to find a Korean Haegeum (해금) that would be amazing too.
Oh, and if anybody knows about music teachers for these instruments I would appreciate if you could refer me to them in any way possible.
Thank you in advance.
Regards.
死馬當活馬醫
Herbz
Re: Erhu, Zhonghu, and other traditional music instruments
Liulichang (琉璃厂) is a good place to find trad instruments.
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Meng Long
Re: Erhu, Zhonghu, and other traditional music instruments
Thank you Herbz, I will go around there soon and give it a try.
死馬當活馬醫
Count_zero
Re: Erhu, Zhonghu, and other traditional music instruments
I don't know about Liulichang but I've heard that some of those shops in the Xinjiekou area sell musical instruments that basically are of decorative value only - ie you can put them on your wall but you wouldn't want to play them.
There is, or used to be anyway, a shop on that street selling "hu" instruments made by Man Ruixing - one of the best makers in China. He innovated an octagonal shaped erhu and the sound of his pipas are compared to that of gold hitting stone.
You could wait until you've found a teacher and ask them for advice - they may try to sell you an instrument themselves however!
You might well find someone who is willing to do a skillswap with you - you teach them English or cookery or whatever and they teach you Zhonghu. There are various skillswap websites, though I don't know which is most active at the moment. You could just search on Douban.com for zhonghu groups and leave a message.