Peasant-carpenter learns to make over 100 musical instruments by watching TV

Jiang Yuzheng, a peasant-carpenter in Fozizhuang Township of Fangshan District, has made more than a hundred quaint musical instruments of various shapes with a combination of Chinese and western characteristics, having learned all his skills from watching TV.

When the reporters arrived at Jiang Yuzheng's house, a Banhu, an Erhu and many other musical instruments could be seen. But looking closely, the reporters found that the instruments at Jiang's house were quite different from those sold in musical instrument stores both in appearance and in construction.

Holding a self-made musical instrument, Jiang Yuzheng was giving  a live performance to the reporters (with his wife on the right)

According to Jiang Yuzheng, a man in his sixties, after he learned to read musical notation he began to make flutes himself. When he became a carpenter at 18, he started making Banhus, Erhus, and other musical instruments that he could not name. Jiang Yuzheng had no reference materials or drawings to turn to; all that he relied on was observation. "I learned to make musical instruments mainly by watching them on TV. I made them with the help of my memories. And they did resemble those on TV."

Due to years of experimentation, Jiang Yuzheng came to grasp the know-how of selecting materials for musical instruments. For instance, paulownia wood can be used to make a Banhu; if cedar wood is used the sound will become weakened. And the steel wire of the brake can be used for strings. "Musical instruments made in this way resemble the standard ones not only in shape but also in sound."

Over the past forty years, Jiang Yuzheng has made a large quantity of musical instruments, among which he can play more than a hundred.

On the occasion of festivals, Jiang Yuzheng would take his instruments and take part in various art activities. Music-lovers would pick out the instruments they could play and join Jiang's performance. Jiang Yuzheng said that the purpose of his making musical instruments is to have fun with other people. "Music can make people happy and put their minds at ease. Living a long life is better than anything."

Expert comments

According to Feng Yuankai, the Associate Editor of the magazine Chinese Instruments, the flute made by Jiang Yuzheng was a successful imitation, quite similar to the standard flute. But the making of Banhu and Erhu are a bit below standard.

The sound box of an Erhu must be covered with skin on the playing end. And the hair used for its strings should come from the horse tail, because horsetail hair has sawteeth and when played, produces a beautiful sound because of friction. The sound produced by nylon cords is simply not the same. Feng Yuankai said, "Although he may not be that professional in making musical instruments, yet Jiang Yuzheng's spirit delving into this field is really admirable."

Translated by LOTO