Last Century I bought myself a nice bamboo shakuhachi for my birthday because I'd been good, but I played it most when I'd been smoking and drinking, as was the style at the time, which felt like sacrilege, so I made PVC electrical conduit flutes and gave dozens away, spreading the joy. "Shakuhachi flute and lesson, will swap for intelligent conversation, (phone number)" ad in the local paper. David rang and suggested I visit him and he met me at the door in a silk robe, whipping scales like he owned them. Obviously I was there for a lesson, or several, which I swapped for landsailing. He sold me a plastic shak, made, he said, in Japan, from recycled plastic milk cartons. It was a bit pink, so one day when I was cleaning a paint brush in turps I gave it a quick wash in the thinnest of black paints, and it brought out the grain so well, and looked so bamboo, that I drew a little black patch on the mouthpiece with a sharpie. Then I glued it permanently together and spray painted the collar gold. It's a sweet unit, and encourages practice, and the weightiness just makes it a wicked weapon. Highly recommended. Edited to add that I gave up smoking and "watertank PVC shakuhachi" is on nugley YT, as is the landsailing.
@nyohaku9 күн бұрын
I once made a few PVC chuck shakuhachis, mostly so I could have the nice nice deep tones of the longer sizes. There is a strong personal connection to an instrument you’ve made yourself. In ancient times most people probably made their own instruments. Cool.
@GormezzzАй бұрын
Thanks Dan
@jerryrichmond97582 ай бұрын
I had a Yuu when they first came out, loved it. I have the "concert grade" now, and it's sweet.
@nyohakuАй бұрын
I had a Yuu many years ago, but somehow lost the top half. (Don’t ask me !) Years later I repurchased one but it did not sound as good as I remembered . It must be subjective being I now play mostly expensive flutes. With nothing to lose, I got some files and fine paper and reworked the Yuu . Now I love it. Either way, I highly recommend it.
@laurentnguyenvan17932 ай бұрын
Very nice . Lovely sound too . Who’s the maker , please ?🙏
@Mr-Squirrel2 ай бұрын
Very good teaching🌹
@nyohaku2 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
@clivemerrell792 ай бұрын
Great playing, wonderful instruction. Thank you.
@nyohakuАй бұрын
I’m happy you enjoy it.
@iskandarmoscht90612 ай бұрын
Thank you very much for the profound insights and the beautiful music!
@Mr-Squirrel2 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing and teaching, it is really great
@8ohmrecords2 ай бұрын
Great video!
@BrianJoeSandy2 ай бұрын
if I play every day and keep in plastic is that enough moisture?
@nyohaku2 ай бұрын
Yes, that is the best scenario. That has always worked for me, but I have always used a dampit it as well. If the flute is overly damp you will grow mold.
@salkex33 ай бұрын
I got my Yuu flute a few months ago and am enjoying it as a beginner player so far. The sound is very nice and "convincing" if I can say it like that. I was wondering, as a beginner, should I get a bamboo shakuhachi with a Kinko style utaguchi or Tozan style? I'm planning on getting one from Japan in about a year or so when I reach a certain level on the Yuu, really excited to know what a real bamboo instrument feels\sounds like. I'm just wondering If a Tozan-style utaguchi is harder to play with from a beginners perspective (the utaguchi of my Yuu flute resembles a Kinko utaguchi style if I'm not mistaken), or would I be fine as in it doesn't make a huge difference?
@nyohaku3 ай бұрын
Whether the utaguchi is Kinko (triangular shaped) or Tozan (crescent shaped) makes no difference to the sound. It’s just a “look”. I’m glad you are progressing and can now produce a better sound and are able to appreciate the subtlety and richness of bamboo. You can use this skill to choose a particular flute that speaks to you. After a year of lessons and practice I rewarded myself with a bamboo shakuhachi; I needed to justify the much higher price tag, but in the end it didn’t matter because the beauty of the sound made me want to practice and play even more. It would be best if you could try out a particular flute because they vary greatly, being handmade. I sell flutes online (EBay ~ nyohaku), but this works best for players who recognize a well-known makers name (stamp) and understand the value and character of older flutes. Think “Les Paul guitar” or Stradivarius violin: they are “used” or “old” instruments. New Shakuhachis are popular in Japan now. (Meijiro online store) Traditionally, one’s teacher picked out a flute for their student.
@mancamerashakuhachiscooter89413 ай бұрын
Well said. My reason for becoming a Komuso in Japan was to help heal with spiritual healing as a Zen priest who did not speak Japanese. Through my Kung Fu skills I learned from my teacher I could help heal without touching via Qi Gong. The Sounds of Shakuhachi are a form of that as I put my spirit and breath into each sound. Thank you for your word and sprit sharing. Amitoufo 🙏🏾
@nyohaku3 ай бұрын
Thank you for the kind words. It gives me a deep sense of meaning and purpose to apply skills and training in this traditional form to heal others. Perhaps being a musician or a teacher is now less important to me. Yet there are “many paths” on the way.
@mancamerashakuhachiscooter89413 ай бұрын
@@nyohaku the “path” is the way. Best wishes. I will look forward to your future sharing…Amitoufo 🙏🏾
@fgg41363 ай бұрын
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. I bought a Native flute 4 months ago and it's great for improvising but it's range is limited so I bought a Yuu. The shakuhachi is leagues harder to play but seeing my progess from barely being able to make a sound to somewhat playing the scale is almost as fun as actually playing. I've never had an interest playing music 4 months ago but there's something about flutes that resonates with me. It's one of the oldest instruments so maybe It's something thats instinctually engraved. Anyways I'd like to thank you again. Learning the shakuhachi looks like a long road and I appreciate you for teaching us.
@nyohaku3 ай бұрын
It seems ironic that this highly refined flute inspires virtuosity and lifelong study, but at the beginning the act of playing a few simple beautiful tones is deeply inspiring. And you don’t need an expensive instrument to train your breath to be steady and mind to relax. I am excited for you and wonder where this journey will take you.
@bradgoolsby86484 ай бұрын
Good stuff, very very nice stuff
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏. Glad you enjoyed it.
@mayamunoz86934 ай бұрын
❤
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
Thanks
@joestatuto52874 ай бұрын
Nice presentation. Well done. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
Thanks for your support. The second half of this concert will be posted soon. 🙏
@FeedingGoats3 ай бұрын
Beautiful
@nyohaku3 ай бұрын
@@FeedingGoats thank you 🙏 ❗️
@maxaudibert57934 ай бұрын
I really appreciate the nice vibe of your video. You convinced me, I just ordered a plastic shakuhachi. Subscribed and thumb up too. Thank you from Greenland.
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
Good luck with the Shakuhachi and thanks for the kind words. I have some free lessons posted on my channel page, by the way.
@maxaudibert57934 ай бұрын
Very interesting. Thank you! Do you know why this instrument is sometimes cut in two pieces and then fixed together, while others are made in just one piece?
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
Cutting it in half and adding a joint makes it easier to reach inside with files to carefully shape and paint the inner surfaces. Craftsman can also lavish great attention to the joint as a signature feature of refined beauty. One piece flutes can sound just as good and be sturdier. I rarely open my flutes so the joint does not have to be serviced as frequently.
@maxaudibert57934 ай бұрын
@@nyohaku thank you so much for your answer.
@Ryak12344 ай бұрын
Hi Sensei. Is there any way to find pdf versions of the sheet music you present here and in other videos? Both for beginners and more advance players.
@nyohaku4 ай бұрын
For PDFs, I don’t know. My original scores were copies from my teacher, but over the years I have purchased the real printed notation from Meijiro in Tokyo. They have an excellent website in English and you can buy Kimigayo and all levels of shakuhachi scores. Needless to say, these publishing houses are closing down after many generations of service to the community. We all strive to keep this special tradition alive in the 21st century.
@Ryak12344 ай бұрын
@@nyohaku Thank you for the response. I did not know about Mejiro store. I found them online :)
@sherryb97705 ай бұрын
I’ve been on the fence about getting one of these. Thanks for the discussion and review. I also play other flutes and yes, taking those one-of-a-kind expensive flutes traveling is mostly no-no. I have many resin and carbon fiber flutes of the other types I play, why not a Yuu too? 😊
@nyohaku5 ай бұрын
I regularly carry my prized shakuhachi to play outdoors and take it on public transportation as well. It goes in the airtight tube which I reviewed in “Shakuhachi Care”@(15:00). But I never take real bamboo to the beach, a hot dry place, or on a winter walk in the cold. I once had my Yuu stolen out of the glove compartment of my car, but I simply ordered a new one. Nice to have around whenever you feel inspired.
@tommcgee9515 ай бұрын
Daniel Hello and thank you so much. Your heart is grand. The caring, the sounds, the words, and intent spread healing and power throughout the collective consciousness.
@nyohaku5 ай бұрын
Thank you. Sometimes it seems we are passing along the care we’ve been shown by others.
@tommcgee9515 ай бұрын
And generating even more care and healing. It multiplies and ripples everywhere.
@fernandorojasvargas976 ай бұрын
Gracias
@nyohaku6 ай бұрын
I am happy you enjoyed it.
@MrRiguepeu6 ай бұрын
Totalement d'accord. Super flute pour s'eclater partout sans soucis!
@nyohaku6 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind comments.
@Ryak12346 ай бұрын
Hi, could you explain why you move away the flute from your mouth in this fashion, such as 12:49? Is it traditional, functional, or something else?
@nyohaku6 ай бұрын
Yes and yes. It is traditional to move the upper hand up to cover the mouthpiece to protect it as the flute is put down after playing. The purpose is to protect the delicate sharp blowing edge. But I also think it creates a feeling of mindfulness and respect for the instrument itself if done in an elegant manner.
@Ryak12346 ай бұрын
@@nyohaku Thank you for the quick response!
@dan.pacini7 ай бұрын
Very interesting! Thanks for this video. I'm trying to study this song. But it's hard for me to follow the notes on the screen. Where can I find this score?
@nyohaku6 ай бұрын
The simple answer is freeze the video frame, and get a screenshot, then print it out. If you want an original copy, which I recommend for it’s sturdiness, buy it from Japan. Website: Meijiro Shakuhachi store in Tokyo. Ryokudan no Shirabe, 850 yen. Turn on English language. Chikumeisha Sankyoku sheet music. #B0098. The notation was written by Goro. Inexpensive and beautiful. Good luck.
@dan.pacini6 ай бұрын
Thank you! I was looking for exactly this. I didn't know it was available on Meijiro. I will buy it 😊
@joestatuto52877 ай бұрын
Thank you for sharing. Truly something we all need.
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
Yes. We all have something to contribute.
@marcappleton27307 ай бұрын
Inspiring. Many thanks.
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
Thanks for your encouragement.
@francyduska5567 ай бұрын
Your words about healing and your music are profoundly beautiful ❤️
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
Grateful to be able to share.
@robertjohnson39737 ай бұрын
Excellent video!! Thank you Daniel!!
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
Thank you 🙏
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
Encouragement is always appreciated. Thanks
@petterpettersson45817 ай бұрын
🙏🙏🙏 thank you!
@bdataiji7 ай бұрын
Thanks for another of your enjoyable, thought provoking vids. Always enjoy the perspective you present. The world needs healing, music is such a powerful tool to help that process-when we continue to strive and heal ourselves we can help our brothers and sisters heal too- please keep up the honorable work you do my brother- peace from Bermuda
@nyohaku7 ай бұрын
We all have a small park to play. Musicians are very fortunate in many respects.
@NorthForkFisherman8 ай бұрын
A great way to end 2023. Happy New Year.
@nyohaku8 ай бұрын
Thanks. 🙏 ⛩️
@genelaw65119 ай бұрын
Where can l buy one of these?
@nyohaku8 ай бұрын
Meijio on-line store might be the cheapest. Try eBay. Used is fine unless it was used daily for a few years. That can wear out the joint.
@josuefox9 ай бұрын
Interesting .. Indeed it's a "cheap" solution to try and practice but I don't understand why a plastic intrument can cost that much. Are we buying the brand ?! I have been practising shinobue and they also have plastic fiber versions which cost not a lot, even made by famous craftman. (Rippei and the flute cost around $40 dollars) ... I may be ignorant on that, but "shakuhachi" looks like a instrument for elite and the prices are crazy, so even for plastic... Do you know that other brand GLASS FIBRE SHAKUHACHI 1.6 "GEN" BY DAISUKE KAMINAGA ? ( but I think the Yuu is 1.8, even if I don't know yet what it means ahah ) thanks again for the video
@nyohaku9 ай бұрын
The Yuu still seems reasonable to me in price. It is injection molded with glass filament impregnated engineering grade, dimensionally stable, dense plastic. There is some hand finishing involved on the outside to make it look and feel better. Plastic is sold by the pound, and of course labor adds to the cost since it is not an automated process. Everything contributes to the sound quality, so that is why it is special. I don’t think you are paying for brand or reputation, it really is worth it. (I have no connection to that company BTW.). It is more of an “elite”instrument than something you just throw around and have fun with. Could you buy a quality western instrument for under $200? I have a few for $700 on eBay (nyohaku) That are far above beginner flutes . It seems to be a Beyers market now. Glad you like the video.
@nyohaku9 ай бұрын
The Yuu is 1.8. I do not know anything about the GEN, but keep in mind it is a higher pitched instrument (1.6), which is a little less common.
@josuefox9 ай бұрын
@@nyohaku Hello :) Thank you for your opinion and advice. Yes, of course nobody would sell the product at the production cost price. I do compare with some instruments like electric guitar .. For entry level, there are good price $250 but I think it's more because the instrument is more popular so more competitors. What I meant is for beginner, $165 dollars is still a big amount, and knowing it's in plastic, it can be normal to think it's too much. That said, I bought the yuu on mejiro for 95 euros, because the yen I think. I still pay border fees. I can't wait to try that ... thanks again.
@nyohaku9 ай бұрын
I am excited for you to give it a try. Good luck and have fun. People are either captivated or they find it too challenging or simply too time consuming to learn. Either way you got a good deal.
@jamesmarquardt523310 ай бұрын
I appreciate your clarity and logos as you draw us into the sensation and experience of a sound rather than it's correctness
@nyohaku9 ай бұрын
Learning and passing on a tradition properly is important of course, but playing with heart is just as important. Striving for perfection can be an ever receding goal for many people. The ego might have to take a backseat on the shakuhachi journey.
@bisbeetsw11 ай бұрын
I had a dear friend (Bruce Stoller) that I play Shakihachi with for many years but who passed away about four years ago. He was a wonderful musician I was so sad to see him go and am grateful for the 20 years we knew each other, now I am happy to have you to play with and your lessons to practice with.
@petrmatuszek798911 ай бұрын
Cool. I would like a teacher like that - I love Tsuru no sugomori (like everyone) and there is no one to teach me. Beautiful, congratulations! 👍😃
@louisdelmar6853 Жыл бұрын
Most excellent!
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Thank you. 🙏🙏🙏
@codyzwick2753 Жыл бұрын
Great lesson. I play a few types of flutes but the shaku techniques are such a challenge! No speeding through this instrument, takes lots of time and dedication.
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
But the payoff is phenomenal.
@HugoHilario Жыл бұрын
When you say cheap: how much is that flute?
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
About $500. The price of good flutes, has come down however, in the last three or four years. For example, I have several for sale on my eBay page (nyohaku) for $800 that are definitely the next level above this in appearance and tone. Usually $1500-2500 USD fetches a good shakuhachi from a reputable maker.
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
How to recognize the flute that is made of bamboo and the one that is made of wood?🙏🏼
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
Sensei, How do you recognize the flute that is made of bamboo and the one that is made of wood?
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Although bamboo is a type of wood, a “wooden” shakuhachi usually means one that is carved out of a solid single block of hardwood, usually maple. It is made on a lathe that spins it quickly, so there are no roots and other bamboo details. Still, they can sound quite good.
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
Where can i get ajikan notation?
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Try Meijiro in Tokyo (and online). Maybe they could direct you if they do not have it. Email ( simple) is best since there is a language barrier.
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Of course, you can just freeze the video and get a screenshot.
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
@@nyohakuyes! Its amazing! Thank you!🙏🏼
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
Thank you for teaching. I play shakuhachi one hour daily. I will try ajikan, 🙏
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
It is an advanced piece, so do not be discouraged if it is hard to master. A personal teacher would only give it to a student who was ready for it, but in the Internet era, I suppose we should try something different. Good luck.
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
@@nyohakuthank you for your kindly help!🙏🏼
@petterpettersson4581 Жыл бұрын
very interesting...really beautful with your sound in different places,,can really make a difference,both in sound and spirituel experience,,,thank you!
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
I am glad this was captured for the channel. Different flutes bring different joys to both player and audience. Your encouragement is always appreciated.
@petterpettersson4581 Жыл бұрын
@@nyohaku thank you!1
@AndrewElward-sd7gs Жыл бұрын
What a great video I really enjoyed it. Wonderful to hear the flutes in different environments and you play beautifully. Thank you for sharing this.
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
There were some happy accidents in the recording. So many shakuhachi moods to explore.
@CHIMENADIR Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your precious help
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Beginnings are important. I am glad the video is useful.
@hervedesormeaux1478 Жыл бұрын
I'm sorry for not having dared to watch this video. The topic addressed seemed to me unaffordable for a beginner student. Well I was wrong! This video is amazingly informative! I really like the way you explain things by putting them in context. I am a retired teacher (so not very young!) and I recognize in you a wonderful pedagogue! In all sincerity. 🙏
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
Thank you for the warm complement. The video format allows me to appeal to both beginning and advanced musicians, non-players and the simply curious. The beauty of Kanji, the rich cultural history and wonderful tone of the shakuhachi all offer ways to become engaged. Yet this is an advanced piece, not simplified here for the new audience. Serious students can print out the score, repeat the video as needed, and take another step on their journey. Best wishes.
@hervedesormeaux1478 Жыл бұрын
@@nyohaku 🙏
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
Thank you!🙏🏼
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
I am happy it is helpful.
@mokuho Жыл бұрын
When you play, do you mentally follow the beat?😮
@nyohaku Жыл бұрын
I alternately tap my right, and left foot, while I glance at the beats side to side. When I really know a piece, I don’t do it except in tricky parts where I am not confident yet. It is easier to tap your feet if you are sitting in a normal chair.