Mu Lan is the working model of the Yanchu (Stage) series, built for the stage and the rehearsal room — for performance troupes and the stage classes of training studios.
Volume and projection are built in deliberately: the top and bridges are matched toward a louder voicing, and each instrument is play-tested to confirm it still carries in a large room.
The voice is bright and outgoing, and does not thin out at a distance. Sweeps and fast ensemble passages read clearly, making it strong in accompaniment as well as solo projection.
On stage, account for temperature and lighting heat. After the performance, let the instrument cool to room temperature before putting it in its case, or condensation will be trapped against the top.
For how instruments are specified for the stage, see how to choose a performance-grade guzheng.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 6500, which is the entry price in the range of the 6 models in the Performance series (prices run CNY 6500 to CNY 9580).Only This Green (CNY 9100) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. Sparse Shadows sits at the same price with a different look and voicing — pick on taste. Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: How different is the Performance series from the Grading series? Mainly in orientation: Performance leans toward volume, projection and stage presence, while Grading leans toward stable action and honest feedback. Pick one primary direction for a given stage of study.
Suitable for: built for the stage, the Performance series suits professional ensembles, touring groups and ensemble rehearsal, and is often used for concerts and large events. Buying one model in batch keeps the voice consistent for ensemble work. Ensembles or institutions can reach us through the enquiry form and we will assign a dedicated contact.
Our ensemble replaced all its instruments, and bought one to try first. It shipped the day after I ordered, delivery was faster than I expected.
A friend recommended them, she said hers has given no trouble in three years, at this price it holds its own against anything!
It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with, five stars!
The harmonics ring out clearly, and come out with the lightest touch, I'll be back.
I hesitated for a long time, and ordered during a promotion, I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too, worth the price!
This is my second purchase here, and the feel is just as I remembered. The string spacing is even, the octaves are true, and it barely needs adjusting.
It has done several commercial gigs, and has stayed rock solid, compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away, very happy with it.
I compared several sellers, and went with this one, the resonance is better than I expected, and it holds up on something like Fighting the Typhoon, five stars!
The finish looks lovely under stage lighting, a friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it, the strings feel a little soft under the fingers, so a child can press them without strain!
Bought for the new children in the orchestra, and the feedback has been good. It looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly, customer service was very patient, and answered every question one by one, I would recommend it.
I had been watching this shop for a long time, and finally ordered, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare, no extra microphone is needed at performances, and the back rows can hear it.