Bi Shan Yun Ji is the senior model of the Dashi series, aimed at professional performers and the core teaching instruments of conservatories and schools.
Timber selection and conditioning follow a higher standard, and each body must pass a resting observation period after assembly before it is released.
The voice is layered with clear light-and-shade contrast, right for large-scale repertoire: a deep, rooted low register and a top that carries to the back of a hall.
In high-use teaching environments, a routine service each term — dusting, checking nut and bridge feet — is inexpensive and measurably extends the life of the instrument.
For how performance-grade instruments are specified, see how to choose a performance-grade guzheng.
Buying advice: this model is listed at CNY 18000, which is a higher price in the range of the 7 models in the Master series (prices run CNY 7300 to CNY 28000).Sea of Clouds (CNY 28000) is the next step up and is worth comparing if your budget is close. To keep the budget down, start from Zhishang (CNY 13000). Bulk pricing is explained in How to order.
FAQ: Is the "Master Series" made personally by a master? The series is assembled and voiced under senior luthiers, with critical steps completed by experienced technicians and cross-checked by several players before release. We do not inflate this with personal names — the standard is the actual assembly process.
Suitable for: the Master series spans teaching through performance, suited to training-centre lessons, conservatory teaching and personal advancement. Batch orders for institutions and schools get tiered pricing with a specification list. Tell us your scenario through the enquiry form when you need a programme.
Customer service was very patient, and answered every question one by one, the bridges are smoothed off nicely, and do not catch your hand when you shift position.
I'd buy again.
I compared several sellers, and went with this one. I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too.
This is the first instrument I have bought at this price, and once it arrived I felt reassured, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare, the manual is too basic, so I learned to tune from a video. Very happy with it.
The tone is far more open than my last instrument, the low register is full, and Fisherman's Song at Dusk sounds wonderful on it, a friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it, at this price it holds its own against anything, the crate was very large, and I could not move it on my own, I would recommend it.
The harmonics ring out clearly, and come out with the lightest touch, compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away, five stars!
The packing was done with care, I have recommended it to friends.
They sent me a video of the actual instrument before shipping, which put my mind at rest. No extra microphone is needed at performances, and the back rows can hear it.
I bought it because a well-known teacher oversaw it, and it did not disappoint, the tuning holds very steadily, two months of playing and it has barely drifted, the seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care!