Best Guzhengs of 2026
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Guzhengs are traditional Chinese musical instruments that have been played for over 2,500 years. They are known for their beautiful, melodic sound and are often used in Chinese orchestras and ensembles. Guzhengs are made of wood and have 21 or more strings, which are plucked with picks or fingers. They come in various sizes, from small travel-sized instruments to large concert-sized ones. Guzhengs are not only a beautiful addition to any music collection but also offer a unique cultural experience for those interested in traditional Chinese music.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Guzhengs
LANDTOM Guzheng Finger Trainer with Full Accessories
The LANDTOM Guzheng Finger Trainer comes with a backpack, tuning wrench, tuner, spare strings, tape, dust brush, and practice nails. Made of paulownia, a common material for musical instruments and furniture, this guzheng is durable and resistant to decay, acid and alkali, and abrasion. Precision workmanship includes a Gu Zheng code bar for tightening strings, round speakers, and special steel string nails. The mini size of 5534 cm/21.613.4 inches makes it easy to store and carry, while the round string eye protector prevents cracking.
MI&VI 21-String Guzheng Instrument
The MI&VI Guzheng Instrument is a beautifully crafted traditional zither made from high-quality paulownia wood. This 21-string model allows you to explore a wide range of musical techniques, enhancing your playing experience with its bright and sweet sound. The elegant wood construction not only provides a stable platform but also adds a timeless beauty to your music setup. Additionally, the essentials kit includes everything you need to get started, such as finger picks and a tuning wrench, ensuring you have all the tools for a seamless musical journey.
LANDTOM Guzheng Steel Wire & Nylon Strings Set 1-21
The LANDTOM Guzheng String Set offers a complete pack of 21 strings made from a combination of steel wire and nylon. This mix provides durability and a balanced tone, giving you clear and professional-quality sound when you play. Designed for use with general Guzhengs, these strings cover all positions from 1 to 21, making it easy for you to replace or upgrade your instrument’s strings in one go. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, this set ensures consistent sound quality and reliable performance for your Guzheng practice or performance.
VICASKY Beginner Guzheng Instrument ABS Material
The VICASKY Beginner Guzheng is a perfect choice if you want to introduce children to music in a fun and educational way. It offers an authentic feel of playing traditional Guzheng music, helping you immerse fully in this beautiful instrument’s world. Designed especially for beginners, it supports developing your skills and techniques by providing a solid foundation for learning. The instrument is also easy to play, making practice enjoyable and less frustrating. Overall, it’s a great tool for anyone starting their Guzheng journey and looking to build confidence while enjoying music.
OrientalMusicSanctuary Paulownia Travel Guzheng
The OrientalMusicSanctuary Paulownia Travel Guzheng is a travel-sized Chinese koto made with solid paulownia and rosewood veneer. It is more portable than a full-sized Guzheng, making it perfect for the travelling musician. The Guzheng sounds almost as good as a full-sized one and comes with all the necessary accessories. OrientalMusicSanctuary provides a USA-based warranty, and the comprehensive practice book with etudes is included.
Lovermusic 1-21 Steel Wire Nylon Guzheng Strings
The Lovermusic Guzheng Strings are designed to fit 163 guzhengs and are also compatible with other common guzheng models. Each string measures about 39.37 inches, providing the perfect length for easy installation and optimal playability. Made from steel wire and nylon, these strings offer great elasticity and durability, so you won’t have to worry about frequent breakage. They deliver clear, high-quality sound with excellent intonation and sensitivity, giving you a responsive and enjoyable playing experience. Whether you’re replacing old strings or upgrading your instrument, these strings make the process straightforward and effective.
LANDTOM 16PCS Guzheng Finger Picks Set
The LANDTOM Guzheng Picks are designed to suit players of all ages, making them a great choice whether you’re a beginner or experienced guzheng musician. Made from durable plastic, these picks promise long-lasting use, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them frequently. Their smooth surface ensures comfortable wear, protecting your fingers from any discomfort or injury while you play. With 16 pieces included, you’ll have more than enough picks to practice or perform without interruption. These features combine to offer a convenient and enjoyable playing experience for anyone using the guzheng.
MUYIYANG Guzheng Nail Accessory Set
The MUYIYANG Guzheng Nails Set offers durable plastic nails designed for comfortable and precise playing, thanks to their moderate thickness and smooth surface that feels gentle on your fingers. The unique fingertip groove design ensures the nails fit securely, giving you a natural and smooth playing experience without slipping. Each nail features elegant patterns with natural texture transitions, adding a simple yet stylish look to your accessories. Plus, the set includes a handy storage board with grooves for wrapping adhesive tape, helping you keep everything organized and preventing your picks from getting lost or messy. This thoughtful design makes playing and caring for your Guzheng easier and more enjoyable.
LANDTOM 163 Paulownia Guzheng
The LANDTOM Guzheng 163 is crafted from high-quality kiln-dried paulownia wood, ensuring durability and a rich sound. Its beautifully engraved inlay adds an elegant touch, making the instrument visually appealing. You'll appreciate the convenience of receiving a complete accessory set, including finger picks, adhesive tape, stands, a bridge set, tuning wrench, tuner, cover, soft bag, and extra strings, so you're ready to play right away. This guzheng is designed for beginners and intermediate players, offering a tone that supports learning and performance. It's a great choice if you're starting out or improving your skills.
The Bamboo Grove PURE PAULOWNIA Guzheng
The Bamboo Grove Guzheng offers a traditional playing experience by using only high-quality Paulownia wood, carefully air-dried and lightly charred to enhance sound quality and durability. This approach ensures you get the authentic tone that Guzheng players appreciate. The instrument comes with all necessary accessories, making it easy for you to start playing right away without needing extra purchases. Plus, it is backed by a USA-based warranty from Oriental Music Sanctuary, giving you peace of mind and reliable support. This Guzheng is crafted to deliver rich lows and mids while keeping the high notes clear and bright, perfect for a deep, resonant sound.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does a guzheng cost?
The cost of a guzheng can vary, but a new player can expect to spend around $700 USD on the instrument and related equipment. Additionally, lessons can add an additional cost of $1,000-$2,000 USD per year.
2. Is it hard to learn guzheng?
Guzheng is considered relatively easy to learn, especially for beginners. Its crystalline tone and flowing water-like sound make it a suitable instrument for online lessons. With dedication and practice, beginners can quickly pick up the basics of playing the guzheng.
3. What are the different types of guzheng?
There are six main Chinese guzheng schools or styles: Shandong, Henan, Chaozhou, Hakka, Zhejiang, and Fujian. Each style has its own origin, example songs, and techniques that they are known for.
4. Can you self-learn guzheng?
Yes, it is possible to self-learn guzheng. However, it is recommended to find teaching resources such as online courses or books to guide your learning. There are several online courses and English guzheng teaching books available that can assist you in self-learning the instrument.
5. How long does it take to learn to play the guzheng?
With regular practice, it is possible to achieve a basic level of playing the guzheng within a few months. However, mastering the instrument and becoming proficient may take several years of dedicated practice and learning.
6. Is guzheng a hard instrument?
Guzheng is considered a relatively easy instrument to start with, especially for those who are new to music. The strings are already fine-tuned, so players don't have to worry about getting the notes right like with other instruments such as violin or erhu. The main focus is on plucking the correct strings.
During our guzheng research, we found 24 guzheng products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 3,595 customer reviews through our big data system to write the guzhengs list. We found that most customers choose guzhengs with an average price of $94.33.
The guzhengs are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of guzhengs, including LANDTOM, M MI & VI, VICASKY, The Bamboo Grove, lovermusic. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 23 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Nicole Kim has been a music teacher and a private piano instructor for six years now. She is a very talented musician who plays piano to a high standard and won several awards in international piano competitions. Lately, she has been sharing her music expertise online, giving incredible tips on how to select the right musical instruments.