Without him, the guzheng would be in oblivion ...
By now he is known in China and abroad as the "Father of the Guzheng." His name is Xu Zhen Gao. He holds the official title of China's highest Master in the art of guzheng-making.
Born on November 27, 1933 in Yangzhou City, he moved at age 16 to study instrument making in Shanghai. Already then he was considered to be the best apprentice of his Master, Liao Jin Lin. At that time Liao was the only guzheng maker for the Da Tong Yue Hwai (Shanghai National Symphony Orchestra).
The pastime of guzheng-playing along with the art of guzheng-making nearly disappeared in the 1940's; only one or two guzhengs were being built in all of China each year, all for the Shanghai National Symphony Orchestra.
One of Xu's greatest accomplishments is the salvation of the guzheng instrument during some of the most difficult times in China's history.
In 1952, when the central government began the process of consolidation of private businesses into large government-owned factories, Xu Zhen Gao's workshop became part of the Shanghai National Instrument Manufacturing Company (Dunhuang brand). Xu Zhen Gao was appointed as the company's head designer and manager of the guzheng manufacturing division.
In 1961 Master Xu had revolutionized the guzheng design with the introduction of the first 21-string guzheng as well as the S-curved string rest. These new developments came after many years of research and trials. (Until 1961 the guzheng had 18 strings.)
One of Xu's greatest accomplishments is the salvation of the guzheng instrument: During some of the most difficult times in China's history, Xu worked tirelessly to teach young artisans the art of guzheng-making and instrument-making. Thanks to his life-long effort, the number of guzheng makers in China grew from only four in 1959 to over 600 today. One could even say that Xu is responsible for guzheng's rising popularity.
Despite his high age and official retirement, Master Xu still maintains a busy work schedule, getting up very early every day to work on issues at the Dunhuang factory or at his private shop, "Master Xu and Co." where he builds and designs the finest quality instruments together with his son, Master Xu Ting Dong.
