Meeting Master Sheng Makers

I had a surreal experience last year on my journey to acquire my shengs. I knew that my hometown of JingHai in Tianjin has many sheng makers, but the one I wanted to seek out was 精艺 (王泽爽) since he made the alto sheng I started on in TCO. I asked around my family members, and he is a friend of my uncle's! This was amazing, as I had a connection, and I ordered my sheng from him. It was an incredible experience. I met the master, he treated me to lunch and drinks, and I got my 37-reed sheng. It is the largest sheng factory in the world, and I was literally a kid in a candy shop. They kept bringing out materials and instruments and giving me introductions to new technologies and products. 10/10 experience.

Me holding my new sheng next to master Wang.

I also visited 赵宏亮 in Hebei, who is acclaimed as the world's best sheng maker, particularly for his keyed sheng. He is the sole creator of the 42 reed soprano sheng. In April, I ordered a sheng from him through my teacher's connection and went to collect it in July. He is a wonderful person, known for his hospitality and commitment to innovation. He demonstrated carbon fiber, new pipe materials, and innovations in contrabass sheng to me. It was incredible! You can see him assisting me with a sheng strap (not my sheng, though) and a contrabass sheng in the background.

Master Zhao helping me with his innovation of sheng strap. There is a contrabass sheng behind me.