Tips in Selecting Guzheng
People always ask, all guzhengs look the same and majority labeled as rosewood guzheng, why is the price range from a couple hundred dollars to a couple thousand dollars? How can you tell the difference, especially when buying over the internet?
It's just like piano or any other instruments, there is a wide range of sound quality from basic to concert level. Even though most guzhengs use rosewood frame with paulownia sound boards, the quality of sound boards and workmanship determine the value of the guzheng.
Here are some tips in selecting guzheng:
1. Look closely at the top sound board! Can you see the grains? If the board is dark that you can't see the grains clearly, it's a possible sign that there is something the manufacturer is trying to hide. Also, dark board means flame-dried or lacquered. Both are not good for the sound board.
2. Are the grains straight? Straighter grains always yield better sound. A sound board with straight grains is more expensive than with the curved grain patterns. It's reasonable to expect guzheng $500 or above has relative straighter grains than the cheaper models.
3. Always check the backboard before buying! Cheaper guzhengs use plywood or laminated backboards. Better guzhengs use paulownia backboards. When you see the backboard is heavily lacquered in black or dark red color, it is probably made with plywood or multiple pieces of wood materials. The sound of a guzheng with plywood backboard is always less clear than the sound of a guzheng with paulownia backboard. All Sound of China guzhengs priced $300 or above have paulownia backboards.
4. What about the frame? Frame is not as important as the sound boards. The frame of a guzheng is made by hardwood such as rosewood, golden thread nanmu, and sandalwood. Even though the price of frame varies, it does not affect the sound quality. However, it determines the tone of a guzheng. The characteristics of the frame are as followed:
Zitan Purple Sandalwood - Pure, Clear, Delicate
Rosewood - Sweet, Bright
Old Rosewood - Thick, Sweet, Bright
Golden Thread Nanmu - Deep, Soft
Don't buy the expensive frame just because it's more expensive. Check to see if you like the tone it will offer.
If you have any questions in selecting a guzheng or about a guzheng you've bought, please write to Sound of China Guzhengat info@chinesezither.net or post your question on our forum www.chinesezither.net/forum.
Sound of China Guzheng Promotion Center
| 
) 
