Answering Shinobue Flute Buying Questions!

[@Paula-133]

GREAT ideas of a shinobue retreat/Con. YES I would come even though I'm not that great yet.❤

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Paula! Yes, let's make it happen together!!!!!!!!!!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@JBeestonian]

The shinobue workshop I attended in Cairns in 2020 was when Kano Sensei did a tour. I bought one of those Suzuki flutes and I couldn't make a sound. You'll find that if you join a Taiko group, performers from Japan often do workshops with local taiko groups and you'll hear about the ones happening in your area. That said, I feel like a big reason why there isn't a cohesive online shinobue community like there is a Shakuhachi community (such as Renzoh's) is because Shakuhachi is a solo instrument and it lends itself well to solo practice, so more people desire to connect with other shakuhachi players online. By contrast I think shinobue often gets introduced to people through their taiko groups, and because they have teachers and mentors within the groups they don't tend to find other players online. Even the Taiko discord was only created a month and a bit ago and it's not as active as either the Shakuhachi or throat singing communities I'm part of.

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Beestonian, thank you very much for your comment! Good point about shakuhachi being a solo instrument and they need to connect with others via online, although right now, many people are discovering shinobue because of Xenoblade even though they are not a part of any taiko group, so maybe this is a good time to create a strong online shinobue community!!

[@MikiShinobue]

And sorry to hear you didn't like Suzuki!!

[@gatchan005]

Thank you for your new video and advice 😄. It was a nightmare for me to choose a shinobue. First of all, I do not find any shop where I could buy one. And as I did not know anything about shinobue, it was hard to choose one on webshops. And then I found your channel and some of your videos explaining a lot of things. And it really helped me. I am really new in playing shinobue but I love this instrument. I hope I will be able to visit Japan again and I will definitely go to a music shop!

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Gatchan! Thank you so much for your support and comments!! Yes, it would be so much easier if we were in Japan! Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I'm sure you are not alone in having had a hard time choosing a shinobue! I'm planning to go back to Japan for a couple of weeks this summer and would like to visit as many traditional Japanese music shops as possible! I hope that I will be allowed to make videos of them... 😄😄😄

[@hpboristo5433]

Hi Miki! Thank you for the video. I also asked you the exact same question a few months back and I was confused why it was so difficult to get a straight answer. But after a few lessons and playing different shinobues, I understand what you mean. To those who are wondering what`s the difference between Suzuki und Rippei: the black, fibre-bamboo shinobue by Rippei was the first one I played and the lower octaves are extremely nice, but I PERSONALLY had a lot of trouble playing the higher notes, especially Kano 4,5,6 etc... I just couldn`t produce any sound unless I blew into it with all my might and even when I do that, they don`t sound good at all. Then I tried the Suzuki. While the lower Octaves are noticeably "thinner" than those I can produce with the Rippei shinobue, I can PERSONALLY play the higher notes and Kano 4,5,6 etc with relative ease. I think the diaphragm, the shape of the mouth, length of fingers, the size of hands etc make all the difference. That`s why what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, it is highly individual and you just need to try out a couple to see what tends to work and what doesn`t.

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Bo! Thank you so much for sharing your experience with all of us!! Yes, it's such a personal thing, you just have to try different ones... As much as I want to help everyone, I just can't say which one is the best one, unfortunately!! And you meant "Kan on" (higher octave) and not Kano. 😀 Thank you again, Bo! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@robertmiller4847]

Are there any reputable websites for purchasing shinobue from Japan? I have my Suzuki and my Furyu, but one day I'd like to purchase a second bamboo shinobue, especially since I've already had one Furyu crack on me. The only site I can think of off hand that I've found is taiko-shop, but I don't know if they'd be the best source or if there are othere, more specialized sites.

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Robert! Great to hear from you! I have gotten several shinobues from Taiko center (taiko-shop) and had no issues, but most of my shinobues came directly from my teacher so I do not know any other sites, unfortunately. 😔The important part is if the site has a good English website, if they have good customer service for people who do not speak Japanese, and also if they are accustomed to shipping overseas. (Maybe we can start an online community via Facebook or something, where people can speak freely about their experiences with shinobue sellers, brands, etc.)

[@PippyM_]

Alongside taiko center that miki recommended, also the place i got my first shinobue, i can recommend mejiro japan for them too if you're still looking, they're my go-to for higher end shinobue makers as they have alot more choice, also rippei (a high end brand) has their own website that you can custom order from that build to your specification (although i have yet to directly order one from them myself!)

[@danielevarelli1652]

hello Miki, great video as usual. Do you find some difference between the plastic Suzuki and the black resin Rippei (is the latter of better quality or do they play just the same?)

[@MikiShinobue]

Hi Daniele! Great to hear from you! How have you been? I personally don't see that much difference! :D

[@danielevarelli1652]

I am fine thank you! I will wait to go to Japan and buy a good bamboo shinobue there! Maybe next year :)

[@MikiShinobue]

@@danielevarelli1652 I would love you to share your shinobue buying experience in Japan with us! 😄