Grandfather's erhu was quite old. The soundbox had come unglued and cracked, and the Python Skin that originally covered it was now soft and loose, with small tears. During the heavy snows, Li Xiang had brought over a couple of small wild boars. His grandfather thought the boar hide would be perfect, so he'd skinned one, treated the hide, and let it dry. Now, he was ready to stretch it over the instrument.
Upon hearing this, Li Xiang said, "Grandfather, I have some cowhide at home. How about I go back and get it for you?"
Grandfather waved his hands dismissively. "No, no, this boar hide is perfectly fine. The skin from a small wild boar is lighter and softer, which produces a purer tone. The sound from cowhide is too deep."
"Oh, I see." Since his grandfather insisted, Li Xiang dropped the subject and started helping him stretch the new hide.
