Han & Tang Splendour is a flagship dugout of the Zhenpin series. Its proportions and name draw on the confidence of the Han and Tang eras. It is made for major concerts, album recording and formal display — and it makes a distinguished gift.
The carved top goes through a longer resting period so internal stress is released more fully. Body proportions, nut and bridge placement follow classical string geometry, and the decorative work is done by hand by senior craftsmen.
The voice is broad and generous, with a long resonance that fills a concert hall, yet the detail at soft dynamics still rewards close listening. It is an instrument that can carry a stage and also repay private playing.
Keep an instrument of this level in one fixed position. When it must move, carry it with both hands supporting the ends of the body rather than lifting by the nut.
For more on dugout construction and how it differs from laminated boards, see the difference between dugout and laminated guzheng.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 36000, which is a higher price in the range of the 8 models in the Zhenpin series (prices run CNY 20000 to CNY 108000).Zen Heart (CNY 90000) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. To keep the budget down, start from Zhijian (CNY 32000). Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: What is the difference between a dugout and a laminated guzheng in the Zhenpin series? A dugout top is carved from a single block of paulownia with the fibres unbroken, giving fuller resonance and longer decay, at the cost of a much longer build. A laminated top is glued from several boards: more consistent and better value. Neither is absolutely better — it depends on your budget and what you want from the tone.
Suitable for: this dugout guzheng is aimed at professional players, serious amateurs and collectors. Zhonghong also supplies conservatories, ensembles and music shops with batch orders, configuring and tuning instruments uniformly. Schools, ensembles or institutions can use the enquiry form to tell us quantities and scenarios, and we will send a written quotation.
The instrument arrived, and the moment I opened the crate I knew the money had been well spent, customer service even showed me how to tune it, so I was not nervous picking it up for the first time. Worth the price!
The workmanship really is careful, the edges are rounded off smoothly, the colour is a shade darker than the photos, but it feels better made. Very happy with it.
It looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly, the top is bright without being shrill, and the bass really goes down, the sustain lasts a long time!
Worth every penny.
I read through the reviews before buying, and it was not a mistake, compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away, the seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care.
It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock, the edges are finished very cleanly, with no rough spots, at this price, value for money is not the point, it is about the wood and the work.
I hesitated for a long time, and ordered during a promotion, the tone overall is on the warm side, rather than bright, which I prefer, customer service was a little slow to reply, and only answered the second time I asked.
I had been watching this shop for a long time, and finally ordered, a friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it. After-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare, very happy with it.
A friend plays in a Chinese orchestra, and said it is very fair at this price, it feels very solid overall, and it does not shift even when you play hard. I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too. This is one that could be passed down.
A friend recommended them, it did not disappoint, I have recommended it to friends.
I compared several sellers, and went with this one. It shipped the day after I ordered, delivery was faster than I expected, the string spacing is even, the octaves are true, and it barely needs adjusting, I plan to keep it for my child. Very happy with it!