After many months of careful study of hardwood Shakuhachis, created by some of the finest Japanese Shakuhachi makers, I am pleased to present this range of American made instruments.
Carefully created in the traditional style of the Shakuhachi, I have endeavoured to continue the same craft traditions that have been utilized for centuries in order to create the highest quality instruments possible, both in sound quality and visually.
Created from a solid piece of wood, it is then cut into two pieces before being fashioned into shape. This makes the instrument very easy to transport or store in its accompanying soft case which has been specially designed and created by my wife, Marby.
These instruments can be custom made in any of the woods listed below or they can be immediately purchased from the
World Flutes Shop Window as and when they become available.
If you are new to the Shakuhachi or have never played one before, I recommend you consider the 1.8 instrument which is easier to finger than the lower pitched 2.4 which requires slightly larger hands than most females or younger males have.
Useful tips on playing a Shakuhachi:
The Shakuhachi is not as difficult to play as most folks think but it may require a little practise
at first. My advice is to keep the mouth soft and relaxed, shaping the lips into a round hole (rather like whistling) and blowing gently onto the playing edge. Higher octave notes are obtained by tightening the mouth a little, as though beginning to smile. The open end of the instrument should rest lightly against the area below the lips. Once you get a sound from the instrument, alter your mouth shape slightly (if necessary) to see if you can improve on the tonal quality. Always remember that each person's mouth is slightly different so experiment to find what works best for you. Have fun!
