Mainland life tugs at guitar maker's heartstrings

Hsu believes the sales of such instruments will continue to expand in the months to come with the increase of outdoor musical performances and cultural activities.

Kristal, which was established in Nanjing county, Fujian, is the world's largest ukulele manufacturer. It also produces classical guitars, folk guitars and harps that are also selling well, particularly in the Americas and Europe, he said.

Hsu usually works from 8 am to 5 pm every day, with one day off per week. He usually cycles 30 kilometers each way to commute between Zhangzhou and Nanjing.

He said he chose to come to Zhangzhou about 10 years ago to develop his career because at that time, the instrument-making industry on the mainland was still in its infant stage, and there was a large market for guitars.