Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

Taldaran · 2009-03-09 12:15:59

The last two out of three flutes I have built have cracked. I bound the last one at the utaguchi end immediately, and the binding stopped the cracks that started overnight from the chin rest section from spreading.

I have the other one that cracked wrapped in a damp towel and will check it tonight after I get home from work.
All of the bamboo I am using now came from the same place.

All of the previous flutes I built came from a different box of black bamboo from a different vendor. None of them have cracked.

So I am wondering if it would be good to put bamboo into a humid box right after cutting it to length just in case?

Last edited by Taldaran (2009-03-09 12:16:47)

Taldaran · 2009-03-09 19:12:25

I did a search and noticed Perry had a photo of some cracked bamboo in his humid box in preparation for a future flute along with already cracked flutes.

I think I will humidify all the bamboo I have that seems to be prone to cracking, before making and binding it. maybe that will help.

Jeff Cairns · 2009-03-09 20:12:10

Does the black bamboo come to you with the resin removed or not. If not, how long has it been sitting without the resins being removed. If they sit in that state for a long time, the bamboo will dry out naturally, but unevenly, which might be the reason for the amount of cracking you are getting. Certainly, the American northwest is a relatively humid area and extra special precautions shouldn't be needed. You might want to check with the supplier.

Yungflutes · 2009-03-09 21:33:37

Hi Taldaran, Black bamboo is generally thinner walled so I think it may be more susceptible to cracking, especially if it was harvested while young. When I make a flute from Black bamboo, I often bind it right away.

Every year, more and more cracked flutes come in for repairs. This winter was a record amount. I can't say that any of these flutes had anything in common. They came from different parts of the USA mostly while others from Japan, Canada, Belgium and France. Some where old, some new, some light, some heavy. The only thing I can say is the keep the flute humidified during winter.

And yes, I sometimes still make flutes from cracked pieces of bamboo. I hate wasting bamboo!

best, Perry

Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

#1 2009-03-09 12:15:59

Pre-emptive humidification?

#2 2009-03-09 19:12:25

Re: Pre-emptive humidification?

#3 2009-03-09 20:12:10

Re: Pre-emptive humidification?

#4 2009-03-09 21:33:37

Re: Pre-emptive humidification?

Board footer