Guzheng, a beautiful string instrument is also known as Chinese Zither and it has been used in the folk, traditional music industry for over 2500 years. The first Guzheng by the Asian Craftsmanship was manufactured around 500 B.C. After that, it gained rapid popularity and spread over the continent.
The traditional instrument had about 16 silk strings and multiple (12 -26) bridges that were moveable. Numerous new models presented these days comprise nylon or steel strings and 21 bridges. The structure comprises a huge resonant cavity made of wutong wood. The other parts are made with different woods that make it stronger and visually more attractive.
If you want to learn this traditional instrument and want to get one for yourself, you should do some research first. There are numerous varieties that are available out there, both on the markets and in online stores. These come in a number of price ranges with different features and qualities. Such a large number of options make your decision more difficult. Particularly, the newbies find it very hard to choose the perfect one for them. We are here to help you out with this daunting task.
What are the Best Guzheng to Buy?
2) Sound of China Professional African Blackwood Guzheng
- Smooth Touch
- 21 Strings
- Warm sound
- Top Quality
- Great for All
1) Sound of Mountain 21 String Black Sandalwood Guzheng
- Highly Rated
- Classy Design
- 21 Strings
- High Quality Material
- Great Sound
3) Oriental Music Sanctuary Paulownia Travel Guzheng
- Affordable
- Travel Size
- Beautiful
- Comfortable Playing
The first thing that you should remember while buying any Guzheng is that the material it is made up of, matter a lot. The wood used in the construction determines the tonal qualities. Therefore you should be wise in your selection. Never go just for the catchy appearance, the quality of the wood is important for better performance. The more seasoned and older wood provides better tone.
Many of the lower-end instruments often comprise huali wood that gives a very sweet feel. The average level Guzheng is made up of aged rosewood and gives the instrument a rich, sweet and mellow tone and the high-level Guzheng that comes at a high price is usually made up of violet sandalwood and deliver a more precise, sweet sound with enhanced clarity.
Keep these things in mind while making your purchase. To make the decision easier for you, have a look at the reviews mentioned below.
10 Best Guzheng Reviews and the Best Guzheng Brands
This time we have come up with the reviews of top 10 Guzhengs. These models are selected because of their rising popularity, extensive use and recommendation of the experts. Have a look at their distinctive features. You will get a better idea about which of these is more suitable for you and it will help you to learn in a more efficient manner.
1) Sound of Mountain 21 String Black Sandalwood Guzheng Instrument Chinese Zither Koto Gu Zheng
Black is the symbol of class and elegance. This instrument in black looks classy and features wondrous capabilities that combine to make it a superb instrument with a joyous sound. It has 64 inches length and 12.6 inches width.
The structure includes 21 strings made with good quality steel and the cover is made of wool nylon. Its veneer comprises solid sandalwood, the soundboard is made up of paulownia and the structural material consist of solid wood and pine wood. All the manufacturing material is carefully selected. These are first soaked properly and then dried before the use.
This process enhances the sound of the instrument and provides a smooth touch with a pleasing feel. The design crafted on the instrument is made by the top professional cutler and exhibits a perfect craftsmanship which results in the exquisiteness and grace of the instrument.
It comes complete with numerous accessories including the string bridges of maple wood, tuning hammer, a stand, spare strings, nail sets, electric tuner, cleaning brush, dustproof cover, a common music stand and an easy to carry gig-bag for keeping the instrument.
2) Sound of China Professional African Blackwood Guzheng with Mica Inlay
It is a full-sized Guzheng with 163cm length. What makes it unique is the floral design that adds to its apparent beauty. This one is also preferred because of the richness of sound that it generates. Whether you are looking for good quality, catchy outlook or sweet tone, you will get it all here. With this instrument, you will have a more joyous feel and a smooth touch.
Speaking of the construction, it comprises a Shanghai style soundboard made with single piece Paulownia wood of professional grade which is considered as a suitable choice to be used for soundboard construction. It gives a bright and rich sound.
For better learning manual guide is also provided in two languages including the Chinese and English so that everyone can have a better understanding of how to play this instrument more skillfully.
The added accessories include a two-piece matching stand for lacing the Guzheng, a tuning wrench for tuning whenever you want, a chromatic tuner, spare strings, picks and tapes and a carrying bag.
3) Oriental Music Sanctuary Paulownia Travel Guzheng
It is exclusively made for the travelling musicians. Considering their comfort, the size is kept small as compared to the full-sized instrument but that doesn’t affect the quality of sound. The size is suitable to be kept in the car’s back seat, thus, it is easily portable.
Solid construction, reliability, and affordability are some of its plus points. This is made with high-class paulownia and rosewood veneer.
This beautiful Guzheng has a complete set of strings properly installed and features a set of total 21 bridges. It comes complete with a number of accessories that combine to give you a more comfortable, better and delightful playing experience.
The adhesive tape for the plectrums and 2 sets of good quality plectra are included for the convenience of the players. For proper tuning over the time, a tuning wrench is also provided. Additionally, a sturdy frame stand is also added on which you can place the instrument for playing.
This is a valued package as it offers numerous accessories including a gig-bag and you won’t have to purchase these separately. A chromatic tuner, an English book of tutorial and a DVD are also provided for a better end more efficient learning.
4) Professional Performing Carved Nanmu Wood Guzheng Instrument Chinese Zither
The standard size Guzheng is 64 inches long and 12.6 inches wide. The decent design, simple outlook and dark color make it more classy. The material used in the construction is chosen to deliver fantastic sound quality.
The strings are made of steel and covered with nylon, the soundboard comprises widely used paulownia wood. The structure consists of the pinewood and solid wood and the veneer is made up of Nanmu.
It is a bit expensive model but the price is justified by the quality. It is perfect for experts and music enthusiasts, after all, the passion as no price. Like other models, it also comes with numerous accessories. The long list includes rosewood string bridges, a style stand, and user manual in the Chinese language.
Moreover, some additional gifts include spare strings, electric tuner, a rubberized fabric(anti-allergy), nail sets, a cleaning brush, one common music stand and a dust-proof cover to keep it clean. The addition of all these things with such superb instrument justifies the price.
5) Dunhuang Two Cranes Facing The Sun Carved Guzheng 696d
Dunhuang is known for manufacturing attractively designed and good quality musical instruments. They offer numerous instruments for different levels of musicians. The one that we are discussing here is a model that is particularly famous for the aesthetic aspect and economical price.
It weighs 15.30 pounds and the dimensions include 13.50 x 12 x 64 inches. This one is made of top-quality material and delivers a very bright and strong sound. It is a 21- stringed instrument that has appreciable functional capabilities that make it a perfect choice with enhanced quality of sound.
The only thing that you might have a problem with is, that it does not include any additional accessories. No stands, tuner, tapes or gig-bag are provided and you will have to buy that yourself for a better experience. But the price is not much and you would be lucky if you find any instrument of this quality at such rates.
6) Oriental Music Sanctuary Professional ALL-Paulownia Travel Guzheng – Tang Dynasty Design
The sophisticated model is built in Tang Dynasty Design and the solid construction adds to its strength and durability. The use of solid paulownia makes it a marvelous instrument with increased durability and enhanced sound. This economical instrument is phenomenal in terms of tone and sound quality and offers a comfortable and pleasurable playing experience. It would be a good decision to take your start with this chic instrument.
It is a travel size Guzheng that has a seamless construction and generates solid sound. Starters can use this to enjoy a professional tone and balance. The small size makes it more portable and you can easily carry it with yourself.
Like most of the other models, the package also includes other accessories that are required for smooth play and more comfortable experience. You will get a complete set of strings installed, set of 21 bridges, tape, tuning wrench, a frame stand, sets of plectra(2), chromatic tuner and a guide. Moreover, a gig-bag is also added in which you can keep your instrument.
7) Sound of China Rosewood Guzheng with Chinese Painting
This is a full-size Guzheng that has 163 cm length and features a single piece soundboard and the backboard with a frame. The manufacturing material is wisely chosen that imparts amazing tonal qualities to the instrument and makes it an excellent sounding Guzheng.
The soundboard comprises high-quality oven dried paulownia that gives a sweet and pleasant feel and the frame consists of laminated rosewood.
This basic model is perfect for taking a start and it delivers a clear sound and resonant bass. The set-up instructions are also offered that you can easily follow and enjoy an exciting experience. It comes with numerous accessories that you may need to practice in a better way.
The added accessories include a chromatic tuner, rosewood bridges, tuning wrench, two-piece matching stands, tape, finger picks, a warranty, and a durable carrying case. Additionally, the spare strings are also provided.
The quality, price and functionality, all are amazing and starters will learn on it more conveniently. Its looks are also very attention-grabbing. The wood color adds richness to its elegant outlook.
8) Sound of China Rosewood Guzheng with Bone Powder Inlay
The full-sized Guzheng is 163 cm in length. It features a Shangai style soundboard and the backboard made up of Paulownia wood that gives wonderful tone. The bone powder calligraphy on the soundboard adds to its attractive appearance.
This China Rosewood Guzheng gives an appreciable 21 stringed sound with improved clarity and enhanced projection. The sound of China has carefully selected the manufacturing materials including the frames, bridges, strings, and soundboards to give a better quality and top-notch sound.
The craftsmanship is truly stunning and the soundboard is made with single-piece of natural Paulownia while the frame consists of rosewood. Its bridges also contain rosewood and the tips have a bone saddle.
German steel is used in making the strings and these are soft enough for the starters to learn the bending. Moreover, the Chinese pattern with the bone powder inly beautifully decorates the frame and makes it look catchy.
It is an advanced level instrument that delivers a richer sound with more clarity. Grab it with confidence as it is provided with a one year warranty.
9) Travel Size Guzheng, Chinese 21-string Zither, E1157
Smooth touch, dark color, and simple design are what makes this model distinctive. It is travel sized Guzheng but the tone and sound are delightfully amazing and is not affected by the small size. Travelers will find it a very convenient choice because of its size. The brightness and clarity of sound with excellent tone are also some of the plus points.
As far as the construction is concerned, it comprises a soundboard made up of high-grade paulownia wood and the same wood is used for making the backboard. The framework consists of Pinewood and the bridges have either ebony or rosewood. Moreover, it has total 21 strings.
The added accessories that you will get for free include 2 sets of nails, one tuning spanner, 1 set of strings(installed), 1 electronic tuner without battery, 1 set of bridges, 1 adhesive tape and a carrying bag. For the ease of learners and particularly the beginners, manuals are also provided.
10) Oriental Music Sanctuary FULL SIZED Rosewood Guzheng
This full-sized Guzheng offers an appealing sight and the touch gold color makes it more striking. The rich look and praiseworthy quality make it a must try that comes at affordable price.
The kiln-dried paulownia imparts astonishing sound and gives it fantastic tonal qualities. It exhibits matchless craftsmanship and is amazingly engraved that provides an extra flair with the inlay.
Mostly the mentors and teachers recommend this model for the beginners and intermediate level musicians because of the simple playability. The price is also an attractive factor for the beginners and they can buy it with full confidence as it comes with a USA-based warranty.
It also includes many accessories that are provided without any additional cost. These include adhesive tape for the plectrums, a frame standard, 21 string bridges, an installed set of strings, chromatic tuner, two sets of plectra and a tuning wrench using which you can tune the strings as and when needed.
This addition of accessories would save you a significant amount of cash. Additionally, a carry bag is also provided with the package.
Choosing the Best Guzheng from the Best Guzheng Brands
All the above-mentioned models have their own perks and all are good in terms of sound quality. You have to choose one depending on your level of skills as a player. The Guzheng best suited for the professional player may not be suitable for the beginner.
The starters can choose any low-end model as it is the beginning and it is always wise to go easy in the start. The entry-level instruments come at more economical rates and hence you can easily change them once you learn the basics. So, first, you have to keep that in mind and then go for the one that falls under your affordable price range.
2) Sound of China Professional African Blackwood Guzheng
- Smooth Touch
- 21 Strings
- Warm sound
- Top Quality
- Great for All
1) Sound of Mountain 21 String Black Sandalwood Guzheng
- Highly Rated
- Classy Design
- 21 Strings
- High Quality Material
- Great Sound
3) Oriental Music Sanctuary Paulownia Travel Guzheng
- Affordable
- Travel Size
- Beautiful
- Comfortable Playing
When you are buying for the first time, find the one that comes with other required accessories so that you won’t have to buy those in separate.
Always try to look for the models that also provide manuals with the instrument. These guides really help a lot in improving your performance level.