Yun Shang is the Yanchu model with the highest finish quality, aimed at public performances, competitions and broadcast — where the instrument itself is on camera.
Build standards match the rest of the series, but the finish is more refined: edges, lacquer and the placement of decorative elements are checked instrument by instrument at the finishing stage.
The voice is rounded and unopinionated — neither the dullness of a practice instrument nor an edge that grates. It records and streams predictably.
For broadcast, keep air-conditioning airflow away from both the instrument and the microphones; wind noise ruins a good take and is far easier to prevent than to remove.
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. Mulan 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.
This is my second purchase here, and the feel is just as I remembered, the bridges are smoothed off nicely, and do not catch your hand when you shift position, I'll be back.
A friend recommended them, she said hers has given no trouble in three years. It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock. The harmonics ring out clearly, and come out with the lightest touch, five stars!
Bought for the new children in the orchestra, and the feedback has been good, it shipped the day after I ordered, delivery was faster than I expected!
The top is bright without being shrill, and the bass really goes down, the sustain lasts a long time. The edges are finished very cleanly, with no rough spots, at this price it holds its own against anything.
I hesitated for a long time, and ordered during a promotion, compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away. The resonance is better than I expected, and it holds up on something like Fighting the Typhoon!
Bought for stage performance, and the volume really is there, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare.
Customer service even showed me how to tune it, so I was not nervous picking it up for the first time, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with, the manual is too basic, so I learned to tune from a video.
The string spacing is even, the octaves are true, and it barely needs adjusting, no extra microphone is needed at performances, and the back rows can hear it.