Q.(from customer-amended)I'm very interested in buying a pipa for the first time and contemplating your item, I am just curious about the sound difference. I noticed some of the pipas on offer is laminated wood and not the normal rosewood, is there a significant difference in sound between the two?

A.Dear Sir,Thank you very much for your question.

Yes our beginner pipa's body (resonating body)is made of laminated wood as most elementary pipas are (comparable to violin and guitars,manufacturer usually uses laminated wood or sometimes they call "white wood" for beginner level instruments as the cost is lower)

The sound difference between a laminated wood pipa and a rosewood one (for example PP201 and PP301)is very distintive.Basically the pipa produces its sound through the vibration of the string,and the resonance string vibration is transmitted through the bridge and saddle to the body via soundboard.The sound board is typically made of tone woods such as Cunninghamia ,common name as China-fir..Laminated wood pipa would not be able to produce a very desirable effect due to their nature.(The other consideration is that beginner pipas does not stay tuned as easily as a higher level ones(same situation as in beginner violins nowadays),but you can always correct the situation by putting some rosin powder around the pegs)

On the other hand,laminated wood beginner pipas are still a popular choice for they give the player a basic instrument to start with in a good price!But if you're considering to continue with the instrument or simply want a better start,PP301 or PP0302 would be a better choice.

Last thing to clarify about 'rosewood pipas' is that we do notice a lot of seller(not just on internet,but a lot retailer too)has intentionally or unintentionally(not having the correct information),tag their item as 'rosewood' or 'sandalwood' pipas(same thing happens in other chinese musical instruments too,unfortunately).We always believe in giving the most accurate information to our customers when we present.(even though laminated wood doesn't sound as 'expensive' as a rosewood pipa of course)Anyway,should there be anything else I can assist you,please let me know anytime.Best regards,Kasandra,carrotmusic.