Instruments
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Sound of China
Guzheng Music Promotion Center
Guzheng Music Promotion Center
1. Where are guzheng made?
A: Currently there are four major places that are making guzhengs. Xi'an,
Shanghai, Yangzhou, and Henan. Each place has its unique method of making,
and the tones of the guzhengs are distinctive from each other.
Xi'an guzhengs, represnted by Scarlet Bird brand of Xi'an Music Conservatory, are
known for their superb bass and robust volume. A glorious sound that only grand
piano can compare.
Shanghai guzhengs, represnted by Dunhuang brand and its affiliation, are known
for their sweetness and brightness.
Yangzhou guzhengs, represented by 3 big brands, Tianyi, Long Feng, Jinyun, are
known for their diversity. Among them, Tianyi guzhengs offer the most versatility,
while Jinyun guzhengs offer the most pureness, and Long Feng guzhengs provide
an ancient tone.
Henan Guzhengs, represented by Zhongzhou brand, are similar to Shanghai
guzhengs but softer in tone.
2. How are the sound boards dried? And what's the effect on the
sound?
A: There are 3 different drying methods that are adopted by the guzheng factories,
100% natural air-drying, oven drying, and flame drying.
Currently, only Xi'an Scarlet Bird brand guzhengs and some Henan brands use
100% air-drying method. It requires wood to expose to natural air for at least 1 yr
after it's cut. The result is a warm wood tone that no others can compare. The
color of the sound board retains the natural wood color.
Shanghai guzhengs are famous for their oven-drying method. The sound board is
golden-brown in color. It puts sound boards in a big heating oven with humidity
control. The result of this method offers a crispy and sweet tone that is typical
seen on guzhengs.
Yangzhou guzhengs are known for their flame-drying method. This uses a fire gun
directly flame the sound boards and yields a charcoal color board. It is the most
cost-effective method, since the board can be dried in just a few hours. However,
the sound of flame-dried boards are rather thin and metallic. The top layer cells of
the wood are basically killed using flame-drying. Most Yangzhou brands use this
drying method except custom orders.
3. How to determine the quality of a guzheng sound board?
A: Sound board is the most important factor that determines the sound quality of a
guzheng. Sound board is the media that transmit the sound wave into the sound
box. Therefore, the quality of the sound board is really important for a guzheng
instrument. Most guzhengs have paulownia as the sound board. Although some
innovative makers start using spruce for the sound boards, most makers still use
paulownia as the sound boards. “Sound of China” distinguishes the quality of
paulownia sound board into 4 grades, and we strictly require our makers to follow
this standard.
The elite grade is a quartersawn-cut piece that offer the straightest grains. Grains
are straight and evenly spaced. Since sound transmit along the edge of the grains
into the sound box, the sound of a quartersawn-cut piece yields the most clear
sound.
The first grade is the one taken from the most center piece of a flatsawn cut. The
quality of this piece resembles a quartersawn-cut wood. The wood grains are tight,
straight, and evenly spaced. The center core of the wood is minimal and not
obvious to be seen. Since the center core part of the wood is more unstable and
not even in density, it is not desired for a guzheng sound board.
The second grade is the one near the center piece. This sound board has straight
grains but less evenly spaced. The center core is more obvious.
The third grade is taken from outer piece of a flatsawn cut. This sound board has a
rather big core part of the wood. The grains are in parabola shape rather than
straight lines, and they are not evenly spaced. The sound quality of this piece is
generally blurring and not clear.
Besides the quality of the sound board, the skill of the maker is as important. A
good maker is able to shape a second grade piece into a first grade sound quality;
while a machine cut might destroy a good first grade board piece.
4. Which is better? Wider grains or tighter grains?
A: The width of the grains is correlated to the age of the tree. Usually, the outer
edge of the tree has wider grains, while the inner part has tighter grains. Weather
and climate are also factors. A good guzheng sound board should sound loose yet
focused. A Board with wider grains sounds loose; while a board with tighter grains
sounds bright and focused. An ideal board will have loose grains in the bottom low
range and tight grains in the high range. Generally, the best width for high range
grain is between 0.5cm-1.5cm, and the best width for the the low range grain is
between 2.0-3.0cm.
5. Why isn’t hard wood such as rosewood or zitan sandalwood
used for sound board?
A: A guzheng sound board requires a soft wood that is easy for the passing of
sound wave. Paulownia or spruce has the ideal desity for a guzheng sound board.
6. How to clean the sound board?
A: Do not use water or web towel to clean the sound board. Orange oil is a must
not!! Use dry clothes only.
7. What are the materials used for the guzheng frame?
A: Guzheng frames desire hard wood materials that are dense enough to kick
back the sound into the sound box. Common hard wood used are rosewood, zitan
purple sandalwood, old rosewood, nanmu, and maple. Different hard wood affects
only the tone of the guzheng not the sound quality. That means a zitan frame with
a 3rd grade sound board will sound no better than a maple framed one with the
same sound board. A rosewood framed guzheng with 1st grade sound board will
sound the same as the zitan framed guzheng with 1st grade sound board.
8. How to avoid cracking of the side frame?
A: The hard wood is mostly from Southeast Asia that has humid climate. When it
goes to a dryer place, it tends to crack. A good way to take care of the side board
is to apply orange/lemon oil on it every week within the first year of the purchase.
After a year, the hard wood gets stable and will not crack easily.
9. Why do some guzhengs have side edges? Does that affect the
sound quality?
A: The side edges are originated from some Yangzhou companies that use
plywood with thin layer of hard wood as the frame. In order to cover the fact
that only a thin layer of the hard wood is used, the makers created the side edges.
The side edges do not affect the sound quality of a guzheng. We do not
recommend any guzhengs with side edges, because the first and the last bridges
often hit the side edges and make a noise while playing.
10. Does the decoration on the side boards affect the sound
quality?
A: The answer is “No”.
9. What is the difference between a paulownia back board and a
plywood back board?
A: Back board is also an important factor that determines the sound quality of a
guzheng. The back board kicks back the sound and absorb the sound passing
down. A plywood back board does little in absorbing the sound which leaves the
sound blurring together inside the sound box. Thus, a guzheng with plywood back
board doesn’t sound clear. Even though you tune it 10 times, it still sounds out-of-
tune.
10. What’s the material used for bridges?
A: The guzheng bridges transmit the vibration of the strings into the sound box.
The bridges should use hard wood with higher in density to transmit the vibration
easily. Generally, rosewood, old rosewood or zitan are used for the body. Ivory,
bone or plastics are used as the tips. A zitan bridge with ivory tip is known to be
the best material.
11. Does the shape of the bridges affect the sound quality of a
guzheng?
A: Yes. The shape, the height, the size of the tips all affect the sound quality.
Usually, higher bridges produce brighter and louder sound, while low bridges
produce a more solid and focused sound.
12. Why are there so many kinds of strings offered on “Sound of
China”?
A: Different strings also affect sound quality. Since players often have different
desire on the sound effects, Sound of China offers numbers of professional strings
to satisfy different needs. For example, Baoquan strings sound deep and
sustaining, while Dunhuang B strings sound bright
13. How often do I need to change the strings?
A: Beginners usually change a string only when it breaks. That is ok, since
beginners do not pluck the strings as strong as professionals. However, for
players who play the guzheng daily, we recommend changing the strings as
needed. While the strings in the low range might last 1 to 2 years, the strings in the
high range should be changed every 3 to 6 months. Whenever you feel a string
does not sound as bright, it’s time to change it.
A: Currently there are four major places that are making guzhengs. Xi'an,
Shanghai, Yangzhou, and Henan. Each place has its unique method of making,
and the tones of the guzhengs are distinctive from each other.
Xi'an guzhengs, represnted by Scarlet Bird brand of Xi'an Music Conservatory, are
known for their superb bass and robust volume. A glorious sound that only grand
piano can compare.
Shanghai guzhengs, represnted by Dunhuang brand and its affiliation, are known
for their sweetness and brightness.
Yangzhou guzhengs, represented by 3 big brands, Tianyi, Long Feng, Jinyun, are
known for their diversity. Among them, Tianyi guzhengs offer the most versatility,
while Jinyun guzhengs offer the most pureness, and Long Feng guzhengs provide
an ancient tone.
Henan Guzhengs, represented by Zhongzhou brand, are similar to Shanghai
guzhengs but softer in tone.
2. How are the sound boards dried? And what's the effect on the
sound?
A: There are 3 different drying methods that are adopted by the guzheng factories,
100% natural air-drying, oven drying, and flame drying.
Currently, only Xi'an Scarlet Bird brand guzhengs and some Henan brands use
100% air-drying method. It requires wood to expose to natural air for at least 1 yr
after it's cut. The result is a warm wood tone that no others can compare. The
color of the sound board retains the natural wood color.
Shanghai guzhengs are famous for their oven-drying method. The sound board is
golden-brown in color. It puts sound boards in a big heating oven with humidity
control. The result of this method offers a crispy and sweet tone that is typical
seen on guzhengs.
Yangzhou guzhengs are known for their flame-drying method. This uses a fire gun
directly flame the sound boards and yields a charcoal color board. It is the most
cost-effective method, since the board can be dried in just a few hours. However,
the sound of flame-dried boards are rather thin and metallic. The top layer cells of
the wood are basically killed using flame-drying. Most Yangzhou brands use this
drying method except custom orders.
3. How to determine the quality of a guzheng sound board?
A: Sound board is the most important factor that determines the sound quality of a
guzheng. Sound board is the media that transmit the sound wave into the sound
box. Therefore, the quality of the sound board is really important for a guzheng
instrument. Most guzhengs have paulownia as the sound board. Although some
innovative makers start using spruce for the sound boards, most makers still use
paulownia as the sound boards. “Sound of China” distinguishes the quality of
paulownia sound board into 4 grades, and we strictly require our makers to follow
this standard.
The elite grade is a quartersawn-cut piece that offer the straightest grains. Grains
are straight and evenly spaced. Since sound transmit along the edge of the grains
into the sound box, the sound of a quartersawn-cut piece yields the most clear
sound.
The first grade is the one taken from the most center piece of a flatsawn cut. The
quality of this piece resembles a quartersawn-cut wood. The wood grains are tight,
straight, and evenly spaced. The center core of the wood is minimal and not
obvious to be seen. Since the center core part of the wood is more unstable and
not even in density, it is not desired for a guzheng sound board.
The second grade is the one near the center piece. This sound board has straight
grains but less evenly spaced. The center core is more obvious.
The third grade is taken from outer piece of a flatsawn cut. This sound board has a
rather big core part of the wood. The grains are in parabola shape rather than
straight lines, and they are not evenly spaced. The sound quality of this piece is
generally blurring and not clear.
Besides the quality of the sound board, the skill of the maker is as important. A
good maker is able to shape a second grade piece into a first grade sound quality;
while a machine cut might destroy a good first grade board piece.
4. Which is better? Wider grains or tighter grains?
A: The width of the grains is correlated to the age of the tree. Usually, the outer
edge of the tree has wider grains, while the inner part has tighter grains. Weather
and climate are also factors. A good guzheng sound board should sound loose yet
focused. A Board with wider grains sounds loose; while a board with tighter grains
sounds bright and focused. An ideal board will have loose grains in the bottom low
range and tight grains in the high range. Generally, the best width for high range
grain is between 0.5cm-1.5cm, and the best width for the the low range grain is
between 2.0-3.0cm.
5. Why isn’t hard wood such as rosewood or zitan sandalwood
used for sound board?
A: A guzheng sound board requires a soft wood that is easy for the passing of
sound wave. Paulownia or spruce has the ideal desity for a guzheng sound board.
6. How to clean the sound board?
A: Do not use water or web towel to clean the sound board. Orange oil is a must
not!! Use dry clothes only.
7. What are the materials used for the guzheng frame?
A: Guzheng frames desire hard wood materials that are dense enough to kick
back the sound into the sound box. Common hard wood used are rosewood, zitan
purple sandalwood, old rosewood, nanmu, and maple. Different hard wood affects
only the tone of the guzheng not the sound quality. That means a zitan frame with
a 3rd grade sound board will sound no better than a maple framed one with the
same sound board. A rosewood framed guzheng with 1st grade sound board will
sound the same as the zitan framed guzheng with 1st grade sound board.
8. How to avoid cracking of the side frame?
A: The hard wood is mostly from Southeast Asia that has humid climate. When it
goes to a dryer place, it tends to crack. A good way to take care of the side board
is to apply orange/lemon oil on it every week within the first year of the purchase.
After a year, the hard wood gets stable and will not crack easily.
9. Why do some guzhengs have side edges? Does that affect the
sound quality?
A: The side edges are originated from some Yangzhou companies that use
plywood with thin layer of hard wood as the frame. In order to cover the fact
that only a thin layer of the hard wood is used, the makers created the side edges.
The side edges do not affect the sound quality of a guzheng. We do not
recommend any guzhengs with side edges, because the first and the last bridges
often hit the side edges and make a noise while playing.
10. Does the decoration on the side boards affect the sound
quality?
A: The answer is “No”.
9. What is the difference between a paulownia back board and a
plywood back board?
A: Back board is also an important factor that determines the sound quality of a
guzheng. The back board kicks back the sound and absorb the sound passing
down. A plywood back board does little in absorbing the sound which leaves the
sound blurring together inside the sound box. Thus, a guzheng with plywood back
board doesn’t sound clear. Even though you tune it 10 times, it still sounds out-of-
tune.
10. What’s the material used for bridges?
A: The guzheng bridges transmit the vibration of the strings into the sound box.
The bridges should use hard wood with higher in density to transmit the vibration
easily. Generally, rosewood, old rosewood or zitan are used for the body. Ivory,
bone or plastics are used as the tips. A zitan bridge with ivory tip is known to be
the best material.
11. Does the shape of the bridges affect the sound quality of a
guzheng?
A: Yes. The shape, the height, the size of the tips all affect the sound quality.
Usually, higher bridges produce brighter and louder sound, while low bridges
produce a more solid and focused sound.
12. Why are there so many kinds of strings offered on “Sound of
China”?
A: Different strings also affect sound quality. Since players often have different
desire on the sound effects, Sound of China offers numbers of professional strings
to satisfy different needs. For example, Baoquan strings sound deep and
sustaining, while Dunhuang B strings sound bright
13. How often do I need to change the strings?
A: Beginners usually change a string only when it breaks. That is ok, since
beginners do not pluck the strings as strong as professionals. However, for
players who play the guzheng daily, we recommend changing the strings as
needed. While the strings in the low range might last 1 to 2 years, the strings in the
high range should be changed every 3 to 6 months. Whenever you feel a string
does not sound as bright, it’s time to change it.
| air-dried sound board |
| flame-dried sound board |
| Side Edge |
