Live! Session #7 – Synthetic Skin Erhu vs Python Skin Erhu and more! ft. Ruijun

In this episode of EM Live Session, we welcome a familiar face—our erhu instructor Rui Jun! Many of you will recognize him from our erhu demonstration videos, and today, we’re diving deep into his passion for the instrument.

A Hidden Gem: Rui Jun’s Erhu YouTube Archive

Not many know this, but Rui Jun runs a dedicated YouTube channel featuring a curated collection of erhu solo performances by renowned masters. His journey started back in secondary school, when he discovered a solo performance of “San Men Xia” by Yu Hong Mei on a Chinese video hosting site. Noticing the video wasn’t available on YouTube, he uploaded it to share with fellow erhu enthusiasts—and the rest is history.

Since then, Rui Jun has built a library of rare performances, driven by his passion for erhu and a desire to share quality repertoire. You can explore his collection here.

When asked how he sources his videos, Rui Jun shared that he typically uses video downloaders or looks for DVDs during overseas trips or online purchases. He avoids uploading duplicates to ensure his channel offers variety and avoids clutter.

Words of Wisdom for Instructors

With the pandemic causing class cancellations and lesson postponements, Rui Jun advises freelance instructors to focus on self-improvement. “Don’t stay stagnant,” he emphasizes—a reminder that growth can continue, even in quiet seasons.

The Big Question: Synthetic Skin vs. Real Snakeskin Erhu

One of the most frequently asked questions from our audience is the difference between synthetic skin and real python skin erhus. In a detailed discussion with Rui Jun, we explore their tonal qualities, feel, and practicality.

Real Snakeskin (left) vs. Synthetic Skin (right)

Real snakeskin, typically sourced from legally farmed pythons, is the traditional material used in erhu construction. On the other hand, synthetic skin is made from a PVC-like material, making it a more eco-conscious alternative.

Advantages of Synthetic Skin Erhu:

• Cost-effective: Synthetic skin erhus are generally cheaper due to lower material and production costs.
• Stable sound quality: Synthetic material remains consistent—ideal for both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Travel-friendly: No CITES certificate required for overseas transport.
• Ethical appeal: Suitable for vegans, conservationists, or those with a fear of snakes.

Sound Comparison: A Listening Test

We compared four erhus across two wood types:

Rosewood Models: Rui Jun’s demo revealed that the synthetic version sounded slightly muffled and lacked depth. Sung Wah added that the snakeskin model had more character and presence.

Black Sandalwood Models: The synthetic version performed better here, but still lacked the warmth and resonance of its snakeskin counterpart.

Direct Comparison: When played side-by-side, the difference became even more apparent. The snakeskin erhu produced a richer, more dimensional tone, while the synthetic version felt flatter.

Playability and Feel

The left-hand fingering on both types felt similar. However, bowing technique revealed differences—Rui Jun noted that synthetic skin does not respond as dynamically to pressure. The elasticity of real snakeskin gives it a broader dynamic range and responsiveness.

Pricing Snapshot

Industry Insights: A Standardised Sound

A compelling endorsement of synthetic skin comes from the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, which has transitioned its entire huqin section to synthetic instruments for tonal consistency. Snakeskin, being a natural material, varies in texture and elasticity—even between two erhus made by the same maker—making synthetic skin a more reliable choice for ensemble work.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Erhu

Each erhu type has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice depends on your needs—whether it’s tone quality, ethical considerations, or practicality. Keep in mind that mixing synthetic and snakeskin erhus in an ensemble may lead to tonal clashes, so consistency might be worth prioritizing.

Quick Summary: Pros and Cons of Synthetic Skin Erhus

Special Performance Segment

We wrapped up this episode of EM Live Session with Rui Jun’s performance of Little Flower Drum, followed by a beautiful Mulan’s “Reflection” duet with Sung Wah on guitar.

Stay tuned for more music, insights, and performances—every Friday at 5 PM on our Facebook or Instagram. Got questions? Drop us a comment or DM!