When selecting a guqin, the timbre quality is often the primary criterion to judge its quality, because the timbre is not only related to the artistic expression of the guqin, but also deeply rooted in the unique pursuit of music aesthetics in traditional Chinese culture. Here are some basic timbre elements to consider when choosing a guqin:

1. Loose tone: The loose tone of the Guqin refers to the sound effect produced by the right hand directly plucking the empty string, which is usually regarded as the basis of the tone of the Guqin. A good guqin loose sound should be deep and powerful, like the sound of stone, not only have enough thickness and resonance, but also not too cloudy, to retain the appropriate purity, sound melodious and bright and not harsh.

2. Press the tone: press the tone is the result of changing the string length with the left hand and picking the string with the right hand, reflecting the rich level of the guqin timbre. The high-quality guqin should be full and round, the transition is natural, the conversion between the scales is smooth and no noise, and the chanting sense and singing are rich.

3. Overtone: The overtone of the Guqin, also known as the sound of nature, is a crisp sound produced by the left hand touching the emblem and the right hand picking the string at the same time. Superior Guqin overtone should be clear and transparent, like a pearl disc, both bright and not sharp, with a high penetration and distant artistic conception.

4. Lasting rhyme: no matter the loose tone, according to the tone or overtone, the sound issued by the high-quality guqin should have a good extension effect, that is, the often said "lingering sound around the beam". This means that after the end of the note, the sound can slowly dissipate, rather than abruptly stop, such guqin can show the deep and distant artistic appeal.

5. Overall balance: A good guqin, its four strings (Gongshang horn) between the timbral color should be balanced and coordinated, there is no obvious volume or sound quality differences. At the same time, the transition from bass to treble should be smooth and seamless, showing the overall harmony of the guqin timbre.

To sum up, in the selection of guqin, through careful listening and identification of its scattered tone, tone, overtone quality as well as the overall timbre balance and durability, can help us to select a guqin with excellent timbre characteristics, so as to better understand the charm of Guqin art. At the same time, it is also necessary to consider the value of guqin in combination with the factors such as the production process, material selection and historical inheritance.