Cai Die is the Xiaozheng model for teenagers and adult amateurs — bright in appearance, for hobby practice, community activities and travel.
Standard Xiaozheng assembly with the weight-to-size balance carefully controlled: enough resonance is preserved while the instrument still holds comfortably.
The tone is cheerful and enjoyable to practise on. For an adult amateur, keeping the habit matters more than chasing the last drop of tone; pop and folk repertoire are both comfortable.
Amateur practice is often irregular. Aim for at least twice a week; if the instrument will rest for a long period, loosen the strings so the top is not under constant tension.
For sizing and where a small guzheng fits, see choosing the right guzheng size.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 5660, which is a lower price in the range of the 9 models in the Mini guzheng series (prices run CNY 4000 to CNY 18000).Glazed Glass (CNY 5980) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. To keep the budget down, start from Gazing at the Peak (CNY 4720). Flawless sits at the same price with a different look and voicing — pick on taste. Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: Can a student alternate between a mini and a standard instrument? Yes, but choose a mini whose string positions and fingering stay close to a standard guzheng, or the change of action will interrupt their progress. For performance goals, keep the standard instrument primary.
Suitable for: the mini guzheng suits a child’s first lessons, a beginner’s start and travel playing — light, portable and good for practice in limited space. For a child’s instrument or a portable setup, tell us your scenario through the enquiry form and we will help you pick a size.
I had been watching this shop for a long time, and finally ordered, it shipped the day after I ordered, delivery was faster than I expected, the bridges are smoothed off nicely, and do not catch your hand when you shift position, very happy overall!
After-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare, the grain on the soundboard looks natural, the finish is thin, and you can tell it was applied by hand, I'll be back.
Customer service even showed me how to tune it, so I was not nervous picking it up for the first time, at this price it holds its own against anything!
Bought it for my child to start on, and the size is just right. It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock. The seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care, there is a slight difference between the colour and the website, but it is acceptable, I'd buy again!
The edges are finished very cleanly, with no rough spots. The harmonics ring out clearly, and come out with the lightest touch!
I mainly wanted it because it is small, and it fits at home. The low register is full, and Fisherman's Song at Dusk sounds wonderful on it. I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too.
Easy to take out to performances, it goes straight in the boot. Customer service was very patient, and answered every question one by one, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with, I'd buy again!
I rent, and there is really no room for a full-size guzheng, so this is perfect, it looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly, it costs a little more than comparable instruments, but the workmanship really is different!