Product Details
What it is
A black 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
Pick this up after the aged rosewood model and the difference is immediate. The tone is darker and richer — there is more weight behind each note, more body in the mid and lower registers, and a depth that gives the instrument a stronger presence in the ensemble. It still plays easily and comfortably, without demanding extra effort to produce a full sound.
Black sandalwood is a denser wood, and that density comes through in the character of the tone: warmer, fuller, more substantial. Players who find the rosewood model a little light for their taste will find this sits in a much more satisfying place — richer without being heavy or dark to the point of muddiness.
At a Glance
Dark, rich, full, warm.
Suitable For
Intermediate to professional players in ensemble or orchestra settings who want more tonal depth and body than the rosewood model offers. Also suits players stepping up within the Xu Chunfeng range.
Why You Should Buy It
- Darker, richer tone — more body and depth than the aged rosewood model
- Easy to play — full sound without demanding extra effort
- Black sandalwood body — dense grain, warm and substantial tone
- 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
- Players who prefer a lighter, brighter tone should try the aged rosewood model
- Those wanting the richest and most articulate tone in the range should consider the violet sandalwood
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
