Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

David Naess · 2015-01-07 02:05:11

I discovered Shakuhachi music on my computer quite a while ago and I have been haunted by how players seem to be able to get more personality out of the shakuhachi than any other instrument.

I had been attempting to learn how to play the didgeriedoo, but chronic head congestion has serverely inhibited my ability to master circular breathing.

Eventually, I hope to be able to get as much out of my shakuhachi as the musicians who I listen to every day do.
BUT, while I am working on my embouchure, patience is a virtue.

BTW: I am delighted to find a place online where I am not the only one who says "Howdy!"
A habit that I picked up when I opened up my site about 15 years ago.

Last edited by David Naess (2015-01-09 01:51:59)

David Naess · 2015-01-11 01:52:55

My new 1.8

Last edited by David Naess (2015-01-11 01:54:08)

Peter Schreiber · 2015-01-12 16:31:35

Hello Dave and welcome to the forum! Your shakuhachi looks a bit like one I buyed as a present via the internet (yenmusic) - where did you get it?

David Naess · 2015-01-12 21:28:02

Howdy Peter!

Could be that we got them from the same guy...

I got mine on Amazon from a guy named Benjamin Yen who lives in Florida (USA.) His Amazon store name is "Jing Music & Arts." I looked under "shakuhachi 1.8" in the "musical instruments" section. He also makes customized flutes.

His website is:
http://www.Jingworkshop.com

He also has a Facebook page:
"daiichi shakuhachi flutes"

Last edited by David Naess (2015-01-12 22:01:53)

Peter Schreiber · 2015-01-13 05:20:01

Hey David,

funny! It is the same guy! It was a present for a friend which he handed me back after some weeks (says I would never be able to play it) so I got it for me now beside my 1.8. Shakuhachi (it's a 1.4).
I was surprised how responsive and nice the flute really is. It has a rich sound, is easy to play in kan and in good tune. It was cheap so I didn't expect much but I really have to say, I'm fully satisfied with that flute. Oh ok, the binding was crap if that word is allowed - it wasn't strong at all but the bamboo is thick so I guess it doesn't need a binding.
You like yours?

Greetings,

Peter

David Naess · 2015-01-13 11:55:59

Howdy Peter!

Mine is made out of thick bamboo too (approx. 3/16" or 4+ mm thick.)
I just noticed that the top binding is above a joint and it slides a bit, so it is probably just a matter of time until it will slide off of the end. My guess is that the binding is for cosmetic purposes.

My embouchure is not developed enough for me to say anything about sound quality, but Benjamin Yen said that mine has a high quality sound.

I pointed out some inconsistencies in the specifications on Amazon, so he sent me the nicest 1.8 he had in stock.

I sent him a message telling him that I had posted photos of the shakuhachi that I purchased from him (along with a link to his site) and that somebody had "instantly recognized his handiwork."

Maybe he will drop in to make a comment sometime.

Last edited by David Naess (2015-01-20 20:16:06)

Peter Schreiber · 2015-01-13 13:09:27

Hey Dave,

yes it would be great to have him here! I was thinking on asking him to make a longer shaku for me this year so it would be great to hear him about the bindings. It's not that big problem for me but it's sure that they did not work ( I removed the bindings as the flute arrived). Anyway the shaku has a great rich sound and I love it! I enclose two pictures of my 1.4 shaku and you can easily see how similar they look.

Last edited by Peter Schreiber (2015-01-13 13:13:03)

David Naess · 2015-01-14 02:35:38

Yours seems to have a steeper parabolic curve on the utaguchi...

I wonder if that makes it easier to play?
Perhaps that allows a player to get a louder volume out of their shakuhachi?

I just took a look at your website and I see that you are also a Haiku fan.

Last edited by David Naess (2015-01-14 02:41:21)

David Naess · 2015-01-14 03:14:06

One of my favorite Haiku comes from when I was experimenting with different focal lengths on my camera:

On the railroad tracks
Three daisies between the ties
Tracks to horizon

Railroad tracks
Daisies between ties
Tracks to sky

Peter Schreiber · 2015-01-14 12:53:02

Hey David,

beautiful haiku!

I have the feeling that my 1.8 shakuhachi from japan is a bit easier to play than the 1.4 from our friend but I have to say that I play mostly with the 1.8 so I'm pretty sure that I'm just not used to the 1.4.
But yes, it is loud (and maybe a bit louder than on the other shaku).

Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

#1 2015-01-07 02:05:11

Howdy from Rochester, New York

#2 2015-01-11 01:52:55

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#3 2015-01-12 16:31:35

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#4 2015-01-12 21:28:02

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#5 2015-01-13 05:20:01

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#6 2015-01-13 11:55:59

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#7 2015-01-13 13:09:27

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#8 2015-01-14 02:35:38

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#9 2015-01-14 03:14:06

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

#10 2015-01-14 12:53:02

Re: Howdy from Rochester, New York

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