Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Sounds like it could be more cracked than you're willing to try and fix, am I right?

If that's the case, then I'd tell her that the only way to get it fixed would be to spend the money. Otherwise, it's just a cracked flute. If it's a really nice flute, would she give it to you, then you could spend the money to get it fixed when you can, or when you have the skills? I know that i'm not at a point where I can do such repairs, even with all the info out there.

If i were set on fixing this myself (and I think you've made more flutes than me, so take this with a grain of salt), I'd try to figure out just HOW deep the cracks are; you're looking to see if they might go all the way through. You'd probably want a good, non-glaring light to use down the bore, too, to see if you can possibly see anything.

If the crack doesn't go all the way through, you're lucky, and it should be (relatively) easy to fix. It's at this point where you have to decide if you're going to continue or get a pro. Myself, I might, MIGHT, try some binding other bamboo, see if my skills were there, and then give it a try. However, I'd be worried about the fact that there's a split in the skin of the Bamboo, and how will that affect cutting and all that, right? Ya gotta think about that stuff.

I'm guessing that binding (preferably flush) above and below the cracks would be the way to go, although it's hard to say without seeing it. Then you'd probably want to fill in the crack with something that doesn't expand too much, and cures SUPER quick; you don't want a lot of action going on in there that might force that crack open wider.

Then, you'll probably want to do something to the bore, some sort of lacquer or Urishi, at least enough to seal a large area all around where the split is on the outside. The more the better, and I'd reccomend just doing the whole thing, perhaps. Anything to seal it all up. I don't usually like flutes all sealed up, but if it's worth it, and it's what will save it, then it's good.

Hope that helps, and not hinders.

-E

Oh excellent, thanks.  I'll take alook at the flute again to see how much damage their is, the cracks might have gone completely though to the bore. 
                                                                                                 Chris

If you use the new high tech 65 lb test monofilament, it only has the diameter of 12 lb test line. This makes for a thinner feeling binding with much more strength and allows you use a lot more tension. That might be useful when trying to repair a crack. Its only drawback is that is comes in green and not clear.

The brand I use is called Power Pro, but there are other brands. I was mistaken...the 65 lb test Power Pro line has the diameter of standard 16 lb test monofilament...still thinner. They have a variety of strengths, all thinner than standard monofilament. I get mine at the local "big box" sports and outdoor store...Academy.

Powr Pro has a website     www.powerpro.com   I think you can buy their line directly from the website.

I hate to suggest this being new to this forum because I feel that it might be almost sacreligious to some, but you asked for an easy fix. You could always just wrap it in electrical tape. There are obvious aesthetic problems with this fix, and the cracks in the bore won't be closed so there might be some effect on the acoustics, but you'll get any leaks sealed and have a playable flute. I think that's a lot better than a souvinier decoration.

Bogert wrote:

Hello again, I just got that cracked flute from my teacher.  I've had some practice in the mean time with fixing cracks, that guide is excellent and worked good.  Now that I have her flute, I've noted that it is quite cracked right down into the bore in two long cracks.  I really don't think I should try to repair such damage at my current skill level.  Is their any semi-easy fix? or leave it to the proffesionals?  Thanks.
                                                                                                       Chris

I wouldn't hesitate to send it to Perry.