Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Welcome Sweep,  As you've no doubt noticed, there is a wealth of combined knowledge here.  Please feel free to take advantage and contribute as you can.
Are you thinking of seeking out a teacher?  What part of the world are you in?
All the best in your journey.

The Yuu arrived today. Comparing it with Erik the Flutemaker's non-traditional instrument (see first post), the Yuu's tone appears to be more rounded and focused than Erik's. Of course I don't yet know how that will develop as I work with the Yuu. I actually prefer the tone of Erik's flute, which is wider and more breathy, but it's nice to have the two different sounds. The bore is very slightly wider on Erik's, though it's thinner walled.

The notch is deeper on Erik's flute, more like a quena, though it gives some shakuhachi-like possibilities when playing. The main difference is the mouthpiece, and I think strictly traditional players would find this a defect, but for non-traditional playing it's an expressive flute with a good range of tones.

I bought the Yuu mainly to have a reference point for a traditional shakuhachi, mindful of the fact that the one I've been playing is a non-traditional hybrid made by a flutemaker who doesn't normally make shakuhachi.

I thought I'd post this in order to comment on Erik's unusual flute and note how it differs from a shakuhachi while also noting its qualities. At this point I'm inclined to say I'm glad I discovered Erik's flute before buying the Yuu. It's good to have both. A high quality shakuhachi with a wide bore may well replace Erik's flute, but for a cheaper flute with a beautiful tone, Erik's flute has much to recommend it in a non-traditional context.

I started with bamboo and then got a used Yuu.  I think the Yuu is great for one reason.  It goes anywhere with little need for caution or care.  I think that this really improves the chances of practicing on a regular basis.

Hi Sweep,

You won't go wrong with the Yuu.  It is a handy, loyal and sturdy companion.  I take mine pretty much everywhere.  Each morning I seperate it, chuck it in the backpack and take it to work.  Because I am alone at work most of the time I am able to do lots of little practices each day.  Carry that thing around Sweep, and don't worry what you sound like.  Yeah, it's not bamboo, but it's a damn convenient flute to have around.

As for your Windows Method of flute practice.... well, lets just say it forms a daily part of my work schedule, and seeing as I am getting paid during work, then it must mean that I'm getting paid to play the flute, and if that's the case then I'm practically a professional.  Okay, delusions over.  Practice at work is a nice luxury (if the boss approves, which mine does)

Last edited by Lorka (2008-07-31 10:45:04)

Yup.  I saw a pic of your David Brown flute axlotol.  It is a nice one.   I also have a DB 2.4 tasmanian tyger myrtle one, with a rattan band.  They are nice.  I recently had a chance to try one of his 1.8's.  They are much nicer to play than a yuu (in my very limited opinion)