Shu Ying is the lighter, more transparent voice of the Yanchu series — suited to modern compositions, light repertoire and crossover collaborations, with an elegant look to match.
Beyond the series' stage specification, the upper register is voiced in more detail so harmonics and fast passing notes stay clean; bridge positions are re-checked after stringing.
The tone is bright and layered, and sits cleanly in a mixed ensemble. The middle and upper registers are its strength, which suits melody-led repertoire.
Ensemble instruments travel constantly. Loosen the strings before moving and retune on arrival; a small dab of adhesive under each bridge is enough to hold position while allowing adjustment.
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.
The resonance is better than I expected, and it holds up on something like Fighting the Typhoon. Worth the price.
It came in a wooden crate packed with thick foam, five days in transit and not a single knock. It costs a little more than comparable instruments, but the workmanship really is different, very happy with it.
Bought for stage performance, and the volume really is there, it looks even better made in person than in the photos, you can see the details far more clearly, very happy overall.
This is my second purchase here, and the feel is just as I remembered, five stars!
I compared several sellers, and went with this one, I took it to a lesson, and my teacher said the tone was good too, after-sales rang me to check it had arrived, which is rare!
The tone overall is on the warm side, rather than bright, which I prefer. A friend heard it at my place, and asked where I bought it!
I read through the reviews before buying, and it was not a mistake, no extra microphone is needed at performances, and the back rows can hear it, customer service was a little slow to reply, and only answered the second time I asked, I would recommend it!
A friend recommended them, she said hers has given no trouble in three years, customer service even showed me how to tune it, so I was not nervous picking it up for the first time, the edges are finished very cleanly, with no rough spots, at this price it holds its own against anything. The manual is too basic, so I learned to tune from a video, very happy with it!
Compared with my last one, the difference was obvious straight away, the sound is very clean, with none of that muffled buzz, the crate was very large, and I could not move it on my own, I'll be back.
Our ensemble replaced all its instruments, and bought one to try first. The seams on the back are very even, and you can tell the work was done with care, this much workmanship at this price, there is nothing to find fault with.