Wang Yue is the Xiaozheng model closest to a standard guzheng's range — for children moving up to adult sizes, and for players who want portability without giving up full repertoire.
String length and positions are brought closer to a standard instrument so fingering transfers smoothly, and the body is reinforced for frequent carrying, with tougher edges and frame than standard models.
The range is complete and transitions are natural, so etudes and standard repertoire both work. Unlike ordinary mini instruments the low register is no longer thin, and it holds its own in ensemble.
A travelling instrument is moved constantly. Check tuning-pin tightness before each trip, and let the instrument rest for half an hour in a new environment before retuning.
For sizing and where a small guzheng fits, see choosing the right guzheng size.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 4720, which is a lower price in the range of the 9 models in the Mini guzheng series (prices run CNY 4000 to CNY 18000).Colourful Butterfly (CNY 5660) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. To keep the budget down, start from Paulownia Small Guzheng (CNY 4000). 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 take it on business trips to practise, and can play in a hotel room, customer service was very patient, and answered every question one by one, the sound is very clean, with none of that muffled buzz, I'll be back.
Bought it for my child to start on, and the size is just right, the seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care, I'll be back.
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, I'll be back.
I hesitated for a long time, and ordered during a promotion, it lives in the teaching room, where students take turns on it, and it takes the wear, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare, I would recommend it!
I compared several sellers, and went with this one, a friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it, it came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock.
This is my second purchase here, and the feel is just as I remembered, the grain on the soundboard looks natural, the finish is thin, and you can tell it was applied by hand. Compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away. This much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with. There is a slight difference between the colour and the website, but it is acceptable!
The bridges are smoothed off nicely, and do not catch your hand when you shift position, I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too.
My child practises an hour a day, and likes it more the more she plays, the strings feel a little soft under the fingers, so a child can press them without strain. At this price it holds its own against anything, customer service was a little slow to reply, and only answered the second time I asked, very happy overall!