EM Live Session #8: Budget-Friendly Chinese Instruments to Kickstart Your Music Journey at Home

With the announcement of COVID-19 as a global pandemic, many countries have implemented lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus. As a result, most of us are spending more time at home and looking for meaningful ways to stay engaged.

In Singapore, all co-curricular and enrichment activities for students have been temporarily suspended. This provides students—especially those in Chinese Orchestra CCAs—with the perfect opportunity to continue honing their musical skills from home.

In this episode of EM Live Session, we introduce some of the most affordable Chinese instruments available at our store. Whether you’re picking up a new skill during lockdown or a parent looking for a productive way to occupy your child’s time, these budget-friendly options are great entry points into traditional Chinese music.

1. Eason Starter Rosewood Erhu by Liu Ji Feng

Liu Ji Feng Young Rosewood Erhu

This erhu is one of our best-value instruments. Made from young rosewood and real python skin, it produces a warm, sweet tone that’s ideal for beginners. Priced at SGD $150, it’s a favorite among students starting their erhu journey.

Note: CITES certification is required for overseas purchases of real snakeskin erhus.

2. Starter Synthetic Skin Rosewood Eco Erhu by Raoyang Beifang

Starter Synthetic Skin Rosewood Eco Erhu by Raoyang Beifang

An eco-friendly alternative to traditional erhus, this model uses synthetic PVC skin, making it suitable for vegans and environmentally conscious individuals. Priced at SGD $200, it also removes the hassle of CITES certification for overseas travel.

We previously featured this erhu in an EMTV episode with instructor Rui Jun, where we compared synthetic vs. snakeskin erhus. Watch the video here.

3. Starter Cypress Pipa by Shanghai Dunhuang Yun

Popular Cypress Pipa by Shanghai Dunhuang Yun with Rosewood Pegs

This lightweight pipa, crafted from Cypress wood with rosewood pegs, features a Ruyi head design symbolizing good fortune. Ideal for beginners, it’s priced at SGD $450 and offers excellent craftsmanship at a modest price.

Perfect for children or adults just starting out, or for parents hesitant to invest too heavily at the beginning.

4. Popular Cypress Zhongruan by Shanghai Dunhuang Yun

Popular Cypress Zhong Ruan by Shanghai Dunhuang Yun

Often likened to the guitar in terms of right-hand techniques, this Zhongruan is a fantastic crossover instrument. Made from Cypress wood, it’s ideal for playing chords or melodies and works well as an accompaniment instrument.

At SGD $400, it’s a popular choice for those venturing into Chinese music with a familiar format.

5. Popular Whitewood Minimalist Design Yangqin by Yin Song Lan

Popular Whitewood Minimalistic Design 402 Yang Qin by Yin Song Lan

A new addition to our yangqin collection, this 402 Yangqin from Hebei’s Yin Song Lan features a clean, minimalist design. Priced at SGD $800, it’s our most affordable yangqin model to date.

Though its treble may be less crisp than premium models, it delivers a balanced tone and strong bass, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Music Lessons from Home

Looking to learn a Chinese instrument but not sure where to start? We offer online Skype lessons so you can learn from the comfort of your home. Visit easonmusicschool.com for more info.

We also provide free resources on LearnErhu.com for erhu learners and video demos for many instruments.

Have questions? Message us anytime on Facebook or Instagram!

Live Performance: “What A Wonderful World”

To wrap up the session, our team performed a beautiful ensemble rendition of “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Arranged by Sung Wah, the piece showcases the lovely tones of these budget instruments.

Missed the live session? We’ve trimmed and uploaded the performance to our YouTube channel. Watch it here.

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