"When I opened the case and saw it in the “flesh” for the first time it took my breath away. I held it my hands for a long moment before putting a pick to it, and then the magic began.

The rosewood zhongruan is a truly beautiful instrument. I have the one with opposing crescents in the top, with the scoop out of the upper right hand curve, black ox horn tuning pegs, and a white dragon on the front of the scroll. The grain in the rosewood sides and neck is a joy to the eye. Construction is solid, and all components are well assembled. To those I have shown it to, to a person the phrase “work of art” was a constant, as well as, majestic, exquisite, and gorgeous.

If you’ve never played a ruan before the learning curve is not severe, although you will develop tougher callus. Like any string instrument played with a plectrum, attack and touch is everything. I started out using a thin pick (0.76mm) and got good volume, and techniques like bends, trills, and hammer – ons were lively. Using a medium to heavy pick (1.5mm, 3.0mm Big Stubby), the tone became warmer, richer, though the aforementioned techniques required greater effort. The dynamic range and tone of the instrument is formidable. I could get it to “bark” like an archtop, and then back off and get a round tone full of subtle overtones.

To conclude, the rosewood zhongruan exceeded my expectations, having only heard it through my computer; I was astounded at the variety of tonal possibilities. The beauty of the instrument is endlessly captivating. At times, when I wasn’t playing it, I’d put it on the guitar stand and stare at it, and of course, the ruan stared back.

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– Eric Paul