Product Details
What it is
A violet sandalwood Zhonghu handcrafted by Xu Chunfeng of Wuxi, tuned to standard G-D. Python skin soundboard. Comes with semi-hard case, strings, bridge, rosin and fine adjusters.
How it plays
This is the one that does everything well. The tone is rich and full like the black sandalwood, but with a cleaner, more articulate quality on top of it — each note speaks clearly and with intention, without any muddiness or blur between positions. It responds immediately to changes in bow speed, pressure, and contact point, making it genuinely satisfying to play at an advanced level.
What is notable is that despite being the most capable instrument in the range, it is no harder to play than the others. The response is immediate and the tone comes easily — which means you can concentrate on the music rather than the instrument.
Violet sandalwood is a prized tonewood for exactly these qualities: density that gives richness and sustain, combined with a natural clarity that keeps the tone clean and defined.
At a Glance
Rich, clean, articulate, versatile.
Suitable For
Intermediate to professional players across all contexts — ensemble, orchestra, and solo. The only model in the range equally well-suited to everything. A strong choice for players who want one instrument that handles it all.
Why You Should Buy It
- Rich, clean, articulate tone — speaks clearly across all positions and dynamics
- Easy to play — responsive and immediate, lets you focus on the music
- Versatile — equally at home in ensemble, orchestra, and solo settings
- Violet sandalwood body — dense, resonant, naturally clear
- Python skin soundboard — traditional construction
- Standard G-D tuning
- By Xu Chunfeng — 5th batch municipal ICH inheritor, Wuxi family tradition
Why Some Might Not Want It
- At $1,150, this is the top of the range — players still developing may not yet need this level of instrument
- Players on a tighter budget who mainly play ensemble may find the rosewood model sufficient
About the Maker
Xu Chunfeng comes from a seven-generation family of woodworking and instrument-making craftsmen based in Wuxi, Jiangsu. His father, Xu Xuru, began learning erhu making at age 10 under his grandfather, later serving as a professional erhu performer with the Nanjing Military Song and Dance Troupe before devoting himself full-time to instrument making. This combination of performance experience and craft knowledge runs through the family's approach — these are instruments built by people who understand deeply how they are played.
Xu Chunfeng carries this tradition forward, refining what previous generations established. In 2023, he was officially recognised as a 5th batch municipal-level Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor for Erhu Making Craft by the Yancheng city government — a formal recognition of the Xu family's contribution to this traditional craft.
The Three Models
Aged Rosewood ($850) — light, clear, easy to play; ensemble and orchestra
Black Sandalwood ($950) — darker, richer tone; easy to play; ensemble and orchestra
Violet Sandalwood ($1,200) — rich, clean, articulate; easy to play; good for everything
Product Reviews
Return and Refund
Returns Policy
All items purchased online through www.EasonMusicStore.com are returnable except for, well, nothing in particular. We will pay the return shipping costs if the product is defective or the return is a result of our error. If the item is returned for any other reason you are responsible for the return shipping amount. No returns will be accepted after 30 days.
The product(s) will be inspected upon receipt. All returns must be in good condition and all original packaging (including invoice) must be in place for full refund to be issued. No refund will be issued if the product shows signs of use. Our guarantee does not cover accidental damage or wear of product caused by customer. Once we have received your return at our warehouse, We will credit you in the same manner as your original payment within 7 days of receiving the returned item.
Please return your purchase to the following address:
114 Lavender Street (CT Hub 2)
#02-66
Singapore 338729
