Ok, I've finished posting his products on my online store. Head over to the new products page to take a look at them (the first five products).
If you are thinking of buying different strings to try out on your Erhu, take note that the strings need some time to run in. Give it at least a week before you conclude that your old strings are better.
----------------------
I just realized that the audio from the videos taken by my Canon digital camera is very bad. I recorded something using my Canon digital camera and a Fujifilm digital camera and the sound quality of Fujifilm turned out much better. The clip taken by Canon actually sounds very harsh, noisy and slightly sharp! Drat. All my product videos were taken by the Canon.
So when you view the product clips please imagine them sounding 50% nicer.
---------------------
By the way, I am going to a music fair in Beijing end of May. Let me know if you are looking for anything special.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Erhu Maestro Wang Guo Tong's products
Today we received a package of new items that we ordered from Erhu Maestro Wang Guo Tong. Wang Guo Tong happens to be one of the most famous Erhu masters in China. He's done countless recordings, performed countless solos and written countless Erhu books and VCDs.
So before I start my tedious task of listing them on my website, here is a brief overview of the items:
1) A book of music scores with hundred over practise passages and really simple tunes for beginners. The best thing is the accompanying 2 CDs that has recordings of all the approximately 150 simple tunes in the book.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb10.jsp
2) Volume 2 of 1) with hundred over practise passages and simple tunes for beginners (notice the omission of the word 'really' to differentiate the level of difficulty between volume 1 and 2.) The not so good thing is that it does not have any accompanying CD.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb11.jsp
3) A book of Guangdong Erhu/Gaohu tunes compiled by Wang Guo Tong with his own fingerings.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb12.jsp
4) Second edition of Liu Tian Hua Compositions in Music Notation + Music CD.
This book has Liu Tian Hua compositions in music notation format + a music CD with recordings by Wang Guo Tong and Liu Tian Hua himself. I'm not sure what changes are there in the second edition, but paper quality's lower that's for sure.
5) 2 types of Beijing Erhu strings endorsed by Wang Guo Tong. One of them is the standard type and the other is a silver wound.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/meh62.jsp
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/meh14.jsp
So before I start my tedious task of listing them on my website, here is a brief overview of the items:
1) A book of music scores with hundred over practise passages and really simple tunes for beginners. The best thing is the accompanying 2 CDs that has recordings of all the approximately 150 simple tunes in the book.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb10.jsp
2) Volume 2 of 1) with hundred over practise passages and simple tunes for beginners (notice the omission of the word 'really' to differentiate the level of difficulty between volume 1 and 2.) The not so good thing is that it does not have any accompanying CD.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb11.jsp
3) A book of Guangdong Erhu/Gaohu tunes compiled by Wang Guo Tong with his own fingerings.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/mb12.jsp
4) Second edition of Liu Tian Hua Compositions in Music Notation + Music CD.
This book has Liu Tian Hua compositions in music notation format + a music CD with recordings by Wang Guo Tong and Liu Tian Hua himself. I'm not sure what changes are there in the second edition, but paper quality's lower that's for sure.
5) 2 types of Beijing Erhu strings endorsed by Wang Guo Tong. One of them is the standard type and the other is a silver wound.
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/meh62.jsp
http://www.eason.com.sg/products/string_access/meh14.jsp
Saturday, April 19, 2008
New Video on Symbols in Erhu Scores
We've recently completed a video on the various symbols you see in Erhu scores.
The partial version is posted in youtube:
If you would like the full version, please join our mailing list (look to the right of your screen) and you will get a link to download.
-----------------------------
We have a new batch of Dizis and Xiaos from Dong Xue Hua as well as new Erhu learning materials from Erhu maestro Wang Guo Tong coming in a week's time. Also, a new shipment of instruments and accessories will be coming end of the month.
Stay tuned!
The partial version is posted in youtube:
If you would like the full version, please join our mailing list (look to the right of your screen) and you will get a link to download.
-----------------------------
We have a new batch of Dizis and Xiaos from Dong Xue Hua as well as new Erhu learning materials from Erhu maestro Wang Guo Tong coming in a week's time. Also, a new shipment of instruments and accessories will be coming end of the month.
Stay tuned!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Video Clips of Ruans
A while ago I had a post about the different types of Chinese Ruans.
The other day a Ruan player was at our shop so I asked him to play something on the Gao Yin Ruan (High pitched Ruan), Xiao Ruan (Small Ruan) and the most commonly used Zhong Ruan (Mid Ruan).
So here they are:
Suzhou Rosewood Gao Yin Ruan -
Shanghai Rosewood Xiao Ruan -
Beijing Rosewood Zhong Ruan -
Wonderful Instruments aren't they? And they are relatively easy to pick up compared to the Erhu, Guzheng or Pipa. Its a fretted instrument played using a pick, so guitar players should have no problems.
The Xiao Ruans and Gao Yin Ruans are not listed on my online store yet so please email me at tansungwah@gmail.com or tansungwah@eason.com.sg if you are interested in one.
The other day a Ruan player was at our shop so I asked him to play something on the Gao Yin Ruan (High pitched Ruan), Xiao Ruan (Small Ruan) and the most commonly used Zhong Ruan (Mid Ruan).
So here they are:
Suzhou Rosewood Gao Yin Ruan -
Shanghai Rosewood Xiao Ruan -
Beijing Rosewood Zhong Ruan -
Wonderful Instruments aren't they? And they are relatively easy to pick up compared to the Erhu, Guzheng or Pipa. Its a fretted instrument played using a pick, so guitar players should have no problems.
The Xiao Ruans and Gao Yin Ruans are not listed on my online store yet so please email me at tansungwah@gmail.com or tansungwah@eason.com.sg if you are interested in one.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Dimo Applicator and Clip on Tuner/ Metronome
The new stocks of dimo applicator is from a different manufacturer. According to some customers who've used it before, the construction still feels flimsy, but at least the dimo jiao stays on the stick instead of wanting to fall off like the previous design.
Design not much to shout about. I've reduced the price to US$4.99 for a pair.
Click here to purchase the Dimo applicator.
------------------------------------------
We have another new digital device to keep your instruments in tune and your rhythm in check.
It's a clip on digital chromatic tuner + metronome.
We think it looks great and works well.
It says 3 in 1 but we're still trying to find out what is the 3rd... We're quite sure it doesn't have the tone generator.
Click here to purchase the device.
-------------------------------------
I have queries from some potential customers about whether they can buy things from my online store if they do not have a paypal account. Well, as long as you have a credit card you can purchase items from my online store.
Look for this message after you checkout and click on the Continue link.
Design not much to shout about. I've reduced the price to US$4.99 for a pair.
Click here to purchase the Dimo applicator.
------------------------------------------
We have another new digital device to keep your instruments in tune and your rhythm in check.
It's a clip on digital chromatic tuner + metronome.
We think it looks great and works well.
It says 3 in 1 but we're still trying to find out what is the 3rd... We're quite sure it doesn't have the tone generator.
Click here to purchase the device.
-------------------------------------
I have queries from some potential customers about whether they can buy things from my online store if they do not have a paypal account. Well, as long as you have a credit card you can purchase items from my online store.
Look for this message after you checkout and click on the Continue link.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Ruan Baby Ruan!
For the longest time, I've wanted to list the different types of ruans on my website. Mainly because the ruans are the Chinese equivalent of the western guitar(at least to me) and I thought people in the western countries might be interested.
I was still thinking about it before I went to take a nap. I then dreamt of a Filipino dancer who was in the same Music and Drama company as I was some 17 years ago. She told me her daughter had a starter grade Xiao Ruan and wanted to buy a better Xiao Ruan. So I sold her one that costs $650.
I conclude it is my subconsciousness telling me that there are loads of Filipino dancers out there with daughters wanting to upgrade there Xiao Ruans. I guess I better get my act together. (Disclaimer: I do not have any attraction to Filipino dancers.)
Currently I've only listed the Zhongruans, but there are 4 types of ruans, including the Zhongruan. In order of ascending pitch, 1) Da Ruan 2) Zhong Ruan 3) Xiao Ruan 4) Gao Yin Ruan. Here's a picture of them lined up together:
The ruans have a richer tone compared to the guitar, and it has only 4 strings. I've tried to play some blues and funk on the Zhongruan and it sounds alright actually. Not entirely trying to fit a square into a circle.
Will record some video/ sound clips soon.
Click here for our listings of Zhong Ruan.
Click here for additional information about the Ruan.
I was still thinking about it before I went to take a nap. I then dreamt of a Filipino dancer who was in the same Music and Drama company as I was some 17 years ago. She told me her daughter had a starter grade Xiao Ruan and wanted to buy a better Xiao Ruan. So I sold her one that costs $650.
I conclude it is my subconsciousness telling me that there are loads of Filipino dancers out there with daughters wanting to upgrade there Xiao Ruans. I guess I better get my act together. (Disclaimer: I do not have any attraction to Filipino dancers.)
Currently I've only listed the Zhongruans, but there are 4 types of ruans, including the Zhongruan. In order of ascending pitch, 1) Da Ruan 2) Zhong Ruan 3) Xiao Ruan 4) Gao Yin Ruan. Here's a picture of them lined up together:
The ruans have a richer tone compared to the guitar, and it has only 4 strings. I've tried to play some blues and funk on the Zhongruan and it sounds alright actually. Not entirely trying to fit a square into a circle.
Will record some video/ sound clips soon.
Click here for our listings of Zhong Ruan.
Click here for additional information about the Ruan.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
New Stocks - Part 1
Our new shipment of stocks just came in here are some of the more interesting items.
1) Man Rui Xing octagonal Erhus
The Man Rui Xing 8 sided Ebony Erhus look gorgeous and sound marvelous. I don't know if its just me but I find his workmanship really classy. The Erhu is feels responsive and sounds comfortably clean. The inner and outer strings and the highs and lows have very good balance. If you are looking for an octagonal Erhu, this is it:
Priced at US$420.
-------------------------------------
I've scoured the darkest pits and deepest oceans of China for a long time for these, because the 'authentic' ones are so darn expensive. Yes, I've finally found good quality China made Shakuhachis. There aren't many who makes these but this guy makes it well.
Before there were 8. Then there were 7:
Priced at US$200 each. Shipping to USA, Europe and Australia is US$12.
1) Man Rui Xing octagonal Erhus
The Man Rui Xing 8 sided Ebony Erhus look gorgeous and sound marvelous. I don't know if its just me but I find his workmanship really classy. The Erhu is feels responsive and sounds comfortably clean. The inner and outer strings and the highs and lows have very good balance. If you are looking for an octagonal Erhu, this is it:
Priced at US$420.
-------------------------------------
I've scoured the darkest pits and deepest oceans of China for a long time for these, because the 'authentic' ones are so darn expensive. Yes, I've finally found good quality China made Shakuhachis. There aren't many who makes these but this guy makes it well.
Before there were 8. Then there were 7:
Priced at US$200 each. Shipping to USA, Europe and Australia is US$12.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tips from Mr Z (Part 3) - Dampener
The dampener (piece of thing below the bridge), when installed will eliminate wolf tones and noises from your Erhu.
The problem is that there is not really a 'correct' way of installing the dampener. There are definitely better ways in the relative sense but it is hard to pinpoint the best way.
The general concept is to have the dampener stuck between the strings and the snakeskin below the bridge so that it has ample contact with the snakeskin without being too tight or too loose.
I have seen a lot of different materials used as the dampener. There is of course the standard issue of a rectangular piece of foam. I have seen people use tissue paper as well!
However, the material that most people favour is a piece of felt.
So comes the next question, how thick should the piece of felt be? Too thick and it will mute the tone too much, too thin and it hardly has any effect. To fold it such that it makes good contact with the snakeskin without being too tight takes some skill.
So here comes tip number 3 from Mr Z:
Put a piece of sponge in between the felt.
The material of the sponge will give provide more elasticity and at the same time more mass and body to the dampener.
Folded felt might be too hard and sponge by itself might be too soft. So together they make a great combination.
------------------------------------
I've just listed 3 new products on my online store. One's the big Sanxian you've read about in my previous blog posting. The others are 2 new models of Erhu between the range of US$200-$300.
Check it out.
The problem is that there is not really a 'correct' way of installing the dampener. There are definitely better ways in the relative sense but it is hard to pinpoint the best way.
The general concept is to have the dampener stuck between the strings and the snakeskin below the bridge so that it has ample contact with the snakeskin without being too tight or too loose.
I have seen a lot of different materials used as the dampener. There is of course the standard issue of a rectangular piece of foam. I have seen people use tissue paper as well!
However, the material that most people favour is a piece of felt.
So comes the next question, how thick should the piece of felt be? Too thick and it will mute the tone too much, too thin and it hardly has any effect. To fold it such that it makes good contact with the snakeskin without being too tight takes some skill.
So here comes tip number 3 from Mr Z:
Put a piece of sponge in between the felt.
The material of the sponge will give provide more elasticity and at the same time more mass and body to the dampener.
Folded felt might be too hard and sponge by itself might be too soft. So together they make a great combination.
------------------------------------
I've just listed 3 new products on my online store. One's the big Sanxian you've read about in my previous blog posting. The others are 2 new models of Erhu between the range of US$200-$300.
Check it out.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Who? Handroll?
Just communicated with Wang Gen Xing a few days ago about my next batch of Erhus from him. He says this will be the last batch of Erhus he is making. He has no raw materials left and is getting old.
So that's it folks. No more Wang Gen Xing Erhus (except for the 1 or 2 Aged Rosewoods that are we are getting in April).
If you manage to get it elsewhere, there are 3 possibilities:
1) They got it sometime ago
2) They are fakes and imitations
3) He lied
So I am now looking to his apprentice, Hu Han Rou for exquisite Shanghai Erhus. Hu's Erhus are said to be as good as Wang's, and they cost slightly less as well. Hu's Erhu also has an uncanny resemblance to Wang's Erhus. Pretty much the same design. Even the font they use to stamp their name looks similar.
I had this conversation with a Canadian friend/ customer the other day. His favourite game is an intellectually un-stimulating game called fight club. Thus you can imagine that his brain is a little rusty sometimes. He thinks he is Skeletor in disguise, so I call him Skully.
-----------
Me: - Wang's not making any Erhus anymore, so I'll be getting Erhus from his apprentice.
Skully: - Great. Tell me about his apprentice.
So that's it folks. No more Wang Gen Xing Erhus (except for the 1 or 2 Aged Rosewoods that are we are getting in April).
If you manage to get it elsewhere, there are 3 possibilities:
1) They got it sometime ago
2) They are fakes and imitations
3) He lied
So I am now looking to his apprentice, Hu Han Rou for exquisite Shanghai Erhus. Hu's Erhus are said to be as good as Wang's, and they cost slightly less as well. Hu's Erhu also has an uncanny resemblance to Wang's Erhus. Pretty much the same design. Even the font they use to stamp their name looks similar.
I had this conversation with a Canadian friend/ customer the other day. His favourite game is an intellectually un-stimulating game called fight club. Thus you can imagine that his brain is a little rusty sometimes. He thinks he is Skeletor in disguise, so I call him Skully.
-----------
Me: - Wang's not making any Erhus anymore, so I'll be getting Erhus from his apprentice.
Skully: - Great. Tell me about his apprentice.
Me : - Hu is the apprentice of Wang.
Skully : - Well, that’s what I want to know.
Me : - But that’s what I’m telling you,
Skully : - Well, that’s what I’m asking you, Sung Wah. Who is the apprentice of Wang?
Me : - Yes.
Skully : - I mean the fellow’s name.
Me : - Hu.
Skully : - The apprentice of Wang.
Me : - Hu.
Skully : - The new maker you'll be getting Erhus from.
Me : - Hu.
Skully : - The Chinese national!
Me : - Hu will be making the Erhus.
Skully: - Whaddya’ asking me for?
Me : - I’m telling you Hu will be making the Erhus.
Skully: - Well, I’m asking you, Sung Wah. Who is making the Erhus?
Me : - That’s the maker’s name.
Skully : - That’s who’s name?
Me : - Yes.
Skully : - Will you or will you not tell me the name of the apprentice of Wang?
Me : - Han Rou
Skully. : - No I don't want a handroll. You know I don't like Japanese food.
Me: - Buzz off Skully.....
-----------------
Yeah I made that up. Adapted from a Bush joke.
But Skully's a real person who likes fight club and seems to be a rather intelligent being.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Some Interesting Stuff
Some interesting media clips:
1) Some dude came into my shop the other day with this minority Erhuesque instrument:
According to my collegue, we used to sell these a long long time ago. Out of the 20 pieces we ordered, we condemned 10 of them.
2) Check this out: http://www.gandharva.at/
Soothing Zen music from an Austria instrumental group comprising of the harp, cello and the Erhu!
3) Finally, this lady made a youtube video with an Ebony Erhu bought from my online shop. She picked up the instrument on her own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqzaZ0LzdBQ
Enjoy!
1) Some dude came into my shop the other day with this minority Erhuesque instrument:
According to my collegue, we used to sell these a long long time ago. Out of the 20 pieces we ordered, we condemned 10 of them.
2) Check this out: http://www.gandharva.at/
Soothing Zen music from an Austria instrumental group comprising of the harp, cello and the Erhu!
3) Finally, this lady made a youtube video with an Ebony Erhu bought from my online shop. She picked up the instrument on her own.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqzaZ0LzdBQ
Enjoy!
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