Seems quite coincident that this thread started right when myself is starting to learn Guzheng.
I've got to my first lesson last week and I was quite nervous and stressed because I have lil' confident of myself...so was kinda not relaxed.
Looking forward for my second lesson and I hope to learn up better this time around!

As for buying Guzheng...I don't know why the ones you guys mentioned are so expensive...we could prolly get new ones at below 1K or 1.5K max for really good ones that will cater more than enough as your start-up.
I was tempted to get a fancy one for myself too (because we need Guzheng at home to practice!), but rationally, unless you love to see pretty pretty design, then go for a second hand or some less expensive new Guzheng first.

I believe if I would want to do good in this, then I will have to put my heart in it. Even if some people tells you that you should try out for a month or two before knowing you really like it (and buying the instrument), I feel you can't go far without practicing at home. And you'll tend to forget about what's taught easier since it's gonna be only once a week (30mins-an hour!).

Happy to see active discussion here and would drop by on and off

My teacher told me that it's best to get something not expensive first and if you really love it and if you progress to somewhat Grade 5 or above, then treat yourself a better one that would match your skills.
What's the use in getting something more than 2k now...

I'm gonna buy my first Guzheng and it's RM1.5K. More than enough for its quality and everything else

By the way, I kept reading how you guys are thinking about sitting for exams, the grading, etc.
You know, it's nothing really like piano where you have to follow such rigid rules of sitting for every single grade and be bounded by it. This Guzheng, you can just learn and learn and who cares about the certification unless you want something to prove that you're good at it at certain level. I'll be sitting for the exam only I'm few levels up. Saves money without having to take at every level.

But then again, perhaps I'm more into the satisfaction of learning how to play it rather than see it as a qualification of some sort.