In March 2021, I was looking to purchase an Er-Hu because I had signed up for lessons with Eight Tone Music School.

I had initially wanted to purchase a second-hand instrument. I wasn’t sure how the lessons would go, and thought it would be more economical to purchase an used instrument. During the trial lesson, I asked the instructor for his opinion but he was not supportive of the idea, because it would be difficult to evaluate the quality of a used instrument just from the photographs provided on the website. He asked me to consider purchasing an instrument from the School. He mentioned that the owners of the school are musicians, and Er-Hu players at that, and would therefore be discerning about the quality of the instruments that they carry.

At the showroom, my instructor explained the essential points of instrument selection, I remember that he emphasized on the “membrane” that was used to make the instrument. He as well as the staff attending to the sale, liked particularly 2 of the units amongst the many of the same price range. My instructor demonstrated on the instrument that he thought was a good buy. I found him to be knowledgeable on Er-Hu evaluation and trusted his recommendation. The other staff helped me with the selection of the bow as well as the casing for the instrument, I found hm to be knowledgeable as well.

Eventually I purchased the recommended unit which is an entry-level Er-hu. It cost me four times the price of a used instrument. I have used the instrument for 3 months and trust that it would serve me well for at least a few years to come.