This is a beautifully crafted handmade Chinese zhongruan (中阮), the larger mid-range member of the ruan family. Based on its construction details and materials, it appears to be made by the same individual artisan as the smaller ruan we recently acquired.
Features include:
Solid carved round body
Larger zhongruan body size (more projection and deeper voice than xiaoruan)
4 strings
Hand-carved wooden friction tuners
Bone nut and bone frets throughout
Traditional carved headstock medallion
Two round sound ports
Handmade carved wooden bridge
Gloss hand-applied finish
Includes hard case
Condition:
The neck is straight, the tuners hold securely, and the instrument is structurally sound. No visible cracks or separations. Clean overall with light cosmetic wear consistent with a handmade instrument.
This instrument has a very organic, hand-built feel — not factory mass-produced. The use of bone frets and traditional friction pegs suggests a more traditional build approach.
These are becoming harder to find in the U.S., especially handmade examples in solid playing condition.
This is a beautifully crafted handmade Chinese zhongruan (中阮), the larger mid-range member of the ruan family. Based on its construction details and materials, it appears to be made by the same individual artisan as the smaller ruan we recently acquired.
Features include:
Solid carved round body
Larger zhongruan body size (more projection and deeper voice than xiaoruan)
4 strings
Hand-carved wooden friction tuners
Bone nut and bone frets throughout
Traditional carved headstock medallion
Two round sound ports
Handmade carved wooden bridge
Gloss hand-applied finish
Includes hard case
Condition:
The neck is straight, the tuners hold securely, and the instrument is structurally sound. No visible cracks or separations. Clean overall with light cosmetic wear consistent with a handmade instrument.
This instrument has a very organic, hand-built feel — not factory mass-produced. The use of bone frets and traditional friction pegs suggests a more traditional build approach.
These are becoming harder to find in the U.S., especially handmade examples in solid playing condition.
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