Create a Guqin that Speaks Your Soul

We understand your search for the perfect tone, your respect for cultural heritage, and your desire for unique beauty. We don't just make Guqins; we collaborate with you to create a legacy instrument—a piece that tells your story.

Bespoke Commissioning: Create Your One-of-a-Kind Legacy Instrument

Every Guqin lover has an ideal instrument in mind. We offer full-spectrum commissioning from entry-level to collector-grade, turning your vision into reality. Whether you're a beginner in Auckland seeking your first instrument or a Wellington collector searching for a masterpiece, we can meet your needs.

Our Services

  • Personal Commission: Tailored to your playing technique and aesthetic
  • Institutional Commission: For NZ music schools, universities & cultural centres
  • Gift Commission: A unique gift for milestones, weddings, or anniversaries
  • Collector Commission: Investment-grade instruments by named masters

Commission Advantages

  • Dedicated NZ-based consultant throughout the process
  • Master artisans personalising every detail
  • Regular progress updates with photos & videos
  • Lifetime care and maintenance service
  • Includes certificate of authenticity & full provenance

Ready to learn more? Book a Consultation

The Commissioning Process: Seven Steps to Your Guqin

Our structured process ensures every detail is executed perfectly, making your journey to owning a bespoke Guqin clear and enjoyable.

Standard Process

  • 1. Initial Consultation: We listen to your vision & requirements
  • 2. Design Proposal: Detailed plan covering all specifications
  • 3. Material Confirmation: Selecting the perfect wood & components
  • 4. Tonal Character Definition: Crafting the sound profile you desire
  • 5. Crafting Updates: Regular progress reports at key stages
  • 6. Final Voicing & Approval: Sound testing and final adjustments
  • 7. Delivery to NZ: Professional packing, shipping & aftercare guide

Your Involvement

  • Access to a private online project gallery
  • Sound sample reviews during voicing stage
  • Final approval on all personal engravings
  • Direct communication with your project manager

Tonewood Selection: The Foundation of Your Sound

Old Chinese Fir - Warm, rich tones ideal for traditional repertoire
Old Chinese Fir

Tone: Warm & Rich

Ideal For: Traditional Music

Paulownia Wood - Clear, bright tones with excellent projection
Paulownia

Tone: Clear & Bright

Ideal For: Modern Performance

Rosewood - Deep, powerful resonance for stage presence
Rosewood

Tone: Deep & Powerful

Ideal For: Stage & Collection

Composite Woods - Unique blended tonal character
Composite Woods

Tone: Complex & Unique

Ideal For: Personal Expression

Tonewood Guide

  • Old Chinese Fir: Aged for decades, produces warm, mellow tones with complex overtones. Perfect for meditative, traditional play.
  • Paulownia (Tong): Lightweight, responsive, with a bright, projective sound. Excellent for recording and contemporary pieces.
  • Rosewood (Zitan): Dense hardwood offering deep bass response and strong sustain. Ideal for solo performances and collectors.
  • Other Rare Woods: Huanghuali, Golden Nanmu, etc., available for special commissions.
  • Lacquer & Finish: Traditional raw lacquer (qi) and mineral pigments for a healthy, luminous finish.

Master Artisan Matching: Finding Your Perfect Maker

We work with over a dozen master luthiers, each with a distinct style and specialty. We don't ask you to choose blindly. Based on your detailed brief, we match you with the most suitable artisans.

Our Matching Process

Brief Analysis

We analyse your playing level, aesthetic taste, and intended use.

Artisan Shortlist

We propose 3-5 master makers whose expertise aligns with your vision.

Proposal Review

Compare different artisans' approaches, style samples, and lead times.

Final Selection

You choose, or let our curators recommend the best match.

⏱️ Need a Guqin Sooner?

If you need an instrument within a year, consider our Curated Selection Service. We have over a hundred pre-made, master-level Guqins in our collection. We can match you with an existing instrument that meets your criteria.

Advantages: No wait; instant ownership. Quality assured; professionally vetted. Transparent pricing; saves time.

🕰️ Detailed Timeline: Case Study - A Family Heirloom Guqin

Months 1-3: Wood Preparation
Century-old Rosewood conditioning, moisture testing, and initial shaping.
Months 4-6: Body Crafting
Master Zhang crafts the body using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.
Months 7-9: Lacquer Application
18 layers of raw lacquer applied by Master Li, each cured for 7-10 days.
Months 10-12: Voicing
Master Wang fine-tunes the soundboard, with weekly adjustments over 3 months.
Months 13-15: Engraving & Inlay
Custom family crest engraving and pure gold 'hui' inlay work.
Months 16-18: Final Assembly
Final setup, string fitting, comprehensive inspection, and custom packing.
Important: A true custom Guqin requires 12-18 months. This is our commitment to quality and respect for the craft. For urgent needs (e.g., concerts, gifts), we recommend our Curated Selection Service for immediate pairing with an existing masterpiece.

Commissioned Works: Visions Realised

Family Heirloom Guqin - Century-old Rosewood
Family Heirloom

Wood: Century Rosewood

Timeline: 18 Months

Concert Guqin for a Wellington Performer
Concert Instrument

Wood: Select Paulownia

Timeline: 8 Months

Wedding Guqin Pair - Matched Old Fir
Wedding Pair

Wood: Matched Old Fir

Timeline: 12 Months

Guqin for a NZ-based Chinese Culture Centre
Cultural Centre Commission

Wood: Premium Fir

Timeline: 10 Months

Case Study Details

Case One: A Christchurch Family's Heirloom

  • Client Brief: An instrument to last three generations, embodying family history.
  • Material: 100-year-old Rosewood with pure gold 'hui'.
  • Feature: Family tree and motto engraved on the back.
  • Timeline: 18 months of meticulous crafting.
  • Client Note: "This Guqin is not just an instrument; it's the voice of our family legacy."

Case Two: An Auckland Performer's Concert Guqin

  • Client Brief: Powerful projection for the Auckland Town Hall.
  • Material: AAA-grade Paulownia with acoustic enhancements.
  • Feature: Lightweight design for touring.
  • Timeline: 8 months (expedited commission).
  • Client Note: "The tonal clarity and presence exceed all expectations for every performance."

Pricing: Transparent Commission Structure

We use a modular pricing system based on your specific choices, ensuring clear value at every stage.

Base Commission (Standard Specifications)

  • Entry Level: NZD 2,000 - 3,500
    For beginners. Standard materials, solid craftsmanship.
  • Performer Level: NZD 3,500 - 11,500
    For serious players. Premium materials, refined voicing.
  • Collector Level: NZD 11,500 - 65,000+
    For connoisseurs. Rare materials, master-level artistry.

Additional Options

  • Exotic Wood Upgrade: Priced based on rarity.
  • Complex Artwork: For intricate carvings or paintings.
  • Named Master Artisan: Premium for specific masters.
  • Expedited Making: Fee for shortened timeline.
  • Shipping to NZ: Includes insurance and customs.

Payment Schedule

  • 30% deposit upon agreement.
  • 40% after material confirmation.
  • 30% balance upon final approval before shipping.
  • We accept Bank Transfer, Credit Card, and PayPal.

Timeline: The Art of Patience

True art cannot be rushed. We never compromise quality for speed. Each stage is given the time it demands.

Standard Making Timeline

  • Design Phase: 1-2 weeks (consultation & planning)
  • Material Prep: 2-4 weeks (selection & conditioning)
  • Primary Crafting: 3-6 months (body & soundboard)
  • Lacquer & Finish: 2-4 months (multiple layers & curing)
  • Voicing & Setup: 1-2 months (fine-tuning the sound)
  • Final Details: 2-4 weeks (assembly, strings, check)
  • Total Timeline: 6-12 months (depending on complexity)

Factors Affecting Timeline

  • Wood Curing: Some woods require years of natural drying.
  • Lacquer Layers: Each layer needs full curing time.
  • Artwork Complexity: Detailed carving extends time.
  • Voicing Perfection: Achieving the ideal sound is iterative.
  • Seasonal Humidity: Affects glue and lacquer drying.

Expedited Service

  • 30% Faster: 4-8 months (20% surcharge)
  • 50% Faster: 3-6 months (40% surcharge)
  • Note: Expedited service may limit some artistic details.
  • Advice: Plan at least one year ahead for important events.

The Seven Steps of Guqin Commissioning

1

Consultation

We listen to your musical needs, aesthetic vision, and budget to define the project.

2

Design

Creating a detailed proposal covering materials, construction, and tonal goals.

3

Material Selection

Choosing the perfect tonewood and components for sound and beauty.

4

Handcrafting

Master artisans shape the body, hollow the soundbox, and fit components.

5

Finishing

Applying layers of traditional lacquer and any custom artwork.

6

Voicing

The final, crucial stage of tuning the soundboard for perfect tone.

7

Delivery

Safe packaging, shipping to NZ, and providing comprehensive aftercare guidance.

Begin Your Guqin Legacy Today

Whether you choose a full 12-18 month bespoke commission or need a masterpiece matched from our collection, we provide expert guidance and dedicated service for clients across New Zealand.

Book Your Consultation Now