EMTV Ep 7 - Comparing Python Skin and Synthetic Skin (Eco) Erhu

Ever wondered how the sound of a synthetic skin (or some called it Eco) Erhu compares to a real snakeskin Erhu? We did a sound test and here's how it sounds like.
Here are the erhus used in this video:
Synthetic Erhu:
www.easonmusicstore.com/produc...
Python Skin Rosewood Erhu:
www.easonmusicstore.com/produc...
Read our blogpost about this here:
www.easonmusicschool.com/the-d...

[@OatmealCreamPie]

Guess I'll throw in my two cents about this one. The Python skin, as you said, seems to be more forgiving between note transitions, allowing for a smoother sound transition that gives Python Erhu's that beautiful, warm sound near-akin to a skilled songstress. This may be due to how strong and elastic the skin is, but my assumption is that the multi-layering and structure of the skin allows the sound to pass through as though water was put through a millimeter needle, narrowing and fine turning the sound of the Erhu. Not only that, but the scales individually and collectively may play a part in the way their shape, and position off of the skin allows sound to travel, which, due to the large amount of scales on Python skin in general, would create a unique sound because of the vibration patterns off of the scales. The synthetic skin is, while not too much, less forgiving and sounds more akin to a off-kilter cello. While EcoErhu managed to mimic the layering of Python skin along with the strength and elasticity, the sound itself seems to have more of a bite to it, indicating that synthetics trap more sound than release it akin to water passing through a centimeter wide funnel. There also doesn't seem to be any actual attempt at replicating Python scales, in which when considering how much would typically be on Erhu, could alter the vibration patterns, and thus give a more monotone sound that you described as "one-dimensional". The sound itself even feels artificial compared to the Python skin, which saddens me because synthetic skins are a wonderful idea in the effort to save the Pythons and is a step in the right direction. But while the EcoErhu synthetic skin, a greatly viable alternative, is more consistent between Erhus than Python skin, I wouldn't go so far as to say it's better. Only time will tell if it will ever be so. Thank you very much Sung Wah, for this demonstration between the two makes of Erhu. Keep up the great work! :)

[@ameliacrisp8482]

I hope they come out with a really good sounding synthetic, honestly because although the snakeskin is better I still can't fully support snakes being killed for this... I know, I sound like a whiny vegan but I swear it's just hard to accept sometimes. Edit: thank you for saying what you said at the end about being sensitive to animal products, I think I will suck it up and get both if it comes down to it, one for travel, one for home haha.

[@SamChaneyProductions]

I agree, and I think that material scientists will be able to find a great replacement. Nobody uses cow skin drums anymore, and I think the same thing will happen with erhu and other similar instruments.

[@Dinosaurthingything]

A lot of times they don’t harvest reptile skins the most ethical way for sure, so can’t blame you.

[@jaimdiojtar]

5:14 "it sounds more soulful" right vus you inserted part of the soul snake into that instrument now it will haunt you for life

[@MarkChan]

Excellent video! It's nice to see back to back comparison between the two. Snake skin sounds fuller.

[@nvdawahyaify]

The Python skin sounds better to me. It sounds like you can hear the sorrow the snake felt when dying.

[@TheSpiceAndRice]

Mike Daniels LOL that is truly sad when you say it like that ..

[@doyi984]

HAHA, You killed me XD

[@josephinepuah8150]

Hi, may I know where I can buy synthetic erhu in Malaysia? Thank you.

[@ameliacrisp8482]

Oh god. My thoughts. I feel so bad for the snake

[@charliedilltarde9881]

so we all a

[@leonardzawaski1549]

I’m no music expert but I do love listening to the erhu. Without knowing which was which it was still quite a difference. The synthetic one sounded “electric” is the way I would describe it - like if you programmed a computer to recreate it without the nuances of sound. The difference between playing notes and playing music - if you know what I mean. Might spend around $200 to buy a cheaper one on amazon for my daughter.

[@EasonMusic]

Could not have put it better myself Leonard. Love the electric and acoustic analogy. :)

[@michaelcarnevale103]

Sung Wah, This is a great side by side comparison video of both instruments. I agree with you regarding the Python skin erhu. It definitely sounds better. The eco erhu sounds ok, but like you said, the tone is lacking something. Overall, I think the eco erhu is a suitable alternative to those who are not comfortable with the snake skin, or travel a lot and need to worry about the CITIES certificate. Thanks for posting all of these videos. They are very informative!

[@SharpestShed]

Mine is synthetic, but I gotta say the real snake skin sounds a lot better. Are you certain it's the snake skin, and not just the overall quality of the Erhu? Either way, thank you for making this video!

[@doyi984]

The tone was much warmer and rounder....but nonetheless both are fantastic so don't get discouraged!

[@radleyisidore1900]

Where did you get the synthetic one?

[@eberjamn]

Hi, Where can we get that certificate that you were holding to bring a python skin erhu to a different country

[@RedHeat]

I wish I could come by your workshop it looks amazing there

[@mobilenerdgames]

it is quite a difference, true but I will still buy the synthetic because killing animals for a musik instrument makes no sense for me.

[@SamChaneyProductions]

This specific synthetic skin sounds great. Maybe slightly brighter than the natural skin but not a bad tone. I'm sure with the right material, you can produce the same sound using synthetic skin. There is nothing magical about pyton skin. It's just natural polymers. You can easily find synthetic polymers with the same elasticity, it will just take a little bit of research and development.

[@Icalasari]

Yeah the python skin sounds warmer. Now I'm wondering what other skins would sound like - Rattlesnake, certain lizards, then move on to say hare hide. Would be nice if something more sustainable could be found

[@bushwacker3292]

Yes the pyhon shin per gold. awesome playing 👍

[@RedHeat]

Python skin is really the better sound. I am glad I have one from you =)

[@southpark4151]

That was a very nice comment actually - about so snakes don't have to die for erhu players like us. Very considerate.

[@EasonMusic]

:)

[@lauralee6297]

this is so helpful thank you!!

[@illinoisbay]

Agreed!

[@wafiyaziziabdulaziz337]

Thanks sifu....

[@chaselee86]

Does Beijing style (octagonal?) and Suzhou style (hexagonal) make a different sound in this video? I wonder if the sound quality difference comes from the shape instead of the skin.

[@khanhnguyen7956]

Hello . I bought a tree muom Chinese erhu lake , but you are in Vietnam , about 1 million 500 thousand trees that reach the public road by about how much he fears you can answer .

[@radleyisidore1900]

Hi! Thanks for your video, it was enlightening. I very much like the erhu, but I could never buy one with real skin. Can you help me by telling me where can I find the synthetic one?

[@michaelcawdrey8300]

Eason Music website

[@tsizzle]

What about the maintenance, with synthetic it’s little or no maintenance right? With python skin, you have to moisturize the skin periodically?

[@EasonMusic]

No you do not have to moisturize the skin periodically. Only when it is really dry. And that could be 10 years later or even later depending on your climate.

[@heorungt2]

How much 's one, i 'm in viet nam , i want to buy one erhu, how can i do?

[@bewusstsein3527]

How much is the phyton skin erhu?

[@g.protranslations527]

Hello, How to get the CITES certificate? What do I have to do? The erhu company in China doesn't want to do it. Thanks

[@EasonMusic]

Hi! All the erhus sold in our webstore comes with CITES certificate. www.easonmusicstore.com

[@josiesequins4962]

The synthetic sounds really nice, but it doesn't sound like an erhu.

[@jpsalis]

which version of the eco erhu is this?

[@brentbreault7606]

tntexplodes101 Beijing rosewood erhu

[@charliedilltarde9881]

the snakes did not die in vain.

[@barretthoven]

The one I ordered is real snakeskin, but it’s whitewood

[@user-fx7fi6hp4g]

1:40 2:02

[@wildvideos5662]

I prefer the synthetic skin!

[@ericchan4793]

Synthetic skin ErHu tend to be sharper pitch that lost the natural resonance if compare to python skin ErHu

[@channoke6102]

I like python skind erhu

[@EasonMusic]

Yes we prefer that too!

[@badrudinlazim1524]

The eco skin erhu sounds good in that it projects the notes real well but the sounds lack character. The timbre which differentiates between an erhu and some other stringed instruments is very much lacking here. The so called" Chinese flavour" of the sound is very minimal. An untrained ear might mistake the sound as coming from a violin or viola!! In conclusion I think if you want an erhu, go get yourself the snakeskin one.

[@EasonMusic]

Yes the tone difference is significant

[@kanmh3482]

Frankly speaking I couldn't detect much appreciable volume of echo sounding from both of them. Maybe my ears got trouble? During the old days when erhus were not divided into specialist made or carpenter made, I came across one cheap one that sounded so much like as what an actual erhu should sound of course with noticeable echo. My personal opinion only or more my personal taste. Namaste 🙏

[@michaelcawdrey8300]

Mine's synthetic skin. No way will I agree to a python dying just so I can play badly.