Top 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Quality and Most Trusted Koto

When purchasing any musical instrument, it's essential to test the instrument to evaluate its sound quality, and the koto is no exception. If you're confident in your skills, you can assess it yourself, but if not, consider bringing along someone with professional expertise. While testing, pay attention to how the instrument feels in your hands and carefully listen to the sounds it produces.

Each koto has its own unique sound, but generally, you can identify two main types of tones: the 'Boom' sound and the 'Resonant' sound. A koto that produces a loud and far-reaching tone is called a 'Boom' sound. This type is suitable for beginners. The 'Resonant' sound is deep, warm, and soothing, lasting longer, and is ideal for those who are more experienced with playing the instrument.

In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, choosing the right zither depends greatly on your intended use. As with choosing an instrument based on price, the sound quality of the zither is proportional to how much you invest in it. Therefore, if you're a beginner, a more affordable zither would be ideal. These models typically have a simpler design, suitable for performances that don't require a complex sound quality, as long as it plays well.

For professional students, teachers, or experienced players, opting for a more expensive zither is a good choice. These instruments are designed for performances that demand higher technical skills, so a high-quality zither will help you produce exceptional melodies. Additionally, a better instrument will support your advancement in playing. Your intended use will greatly affect the frequency of playing, so be sure to consider this carefully when selecting a zither with good sound quality that suits your needs.

The zither comes in various types, with prices ranging widely. Therefore, before heading to the store, it's essential to set your budget and check the pricing. If you're interested in owning a zither as a hobby and not pursuing a professional path, you can find one priced between 1,500,000 VND and 3,000,000 VND.

However, if you plan to study and play long-term, consider investing in a higher-priced instrument. More expensive zithers typically offer better quality—these instruments are carefully crafted, producing richer sound, and often feature wood with a pleasant scent. Choosing based on your budget is a good strategy when accompanied by an experienced player, who can act as a guide to help you select the best instrument for your needs.

In addition to considering the price when choosing a zither, material is another critical factor you need to evaluate before making a decision. The zither is primarily made of wood, and there are several types of wood suitable for crafting zithers, such as rosewood, sandalwood, and ebony for the body, and tung wood for the faceplate.

Many believe that the sound quality of the zither is directly influenced by the quality of the wood. Therefore, it is essential to purchase from sellers offering high-quality materials for a comfortable playing experience and long-lasting durability. If the zither is made from plywood, it is likely to crack over time, and the strings will lose their precision, resulting in poor sound. A well-crafted zither made from solid wood will be durable, providing excellent sound quality and remaining intact after prolonged use.

Choosing based on size is another effective way to select a zither that Mytour recommends. On the market today, there are various types of zithers, ranging from 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, and even 25 strings. The size of the zither increases as the number of strings increases.

For a 16-string zither (Thập Lục), it is smaller and more portable. However, traditional Vietnamese zithers with 16 strings lack the lower bass range, limiting the melodies you can play. The more strings a zither has, the greater the bass and lower range, producing louder and more resonant sound. This type of zither is highly favored by professional players. The drawback of larger zithers, however, is that they are harder to carry, especially if you're traveling by motorbike.