Purchasing a Shakuhachi - Recommendations and Advice

[@amandasteven1400]

my desire was to learn Shakuhachi solely for personal meditation but i became quickly discouraged after a little online research? that is, until i found this wonderful vid! Kudo's to Renzoh Flutes as all my beginner questions are contained within. yep, i feel much better now . . . so my Shakuhachi journey begins :)

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Amanda, this is awesome to hear thank you so much! I am so happy your on your way!

[@khalidjamari8386]

i realize it's kind of randomly asking but does anybody know of a good place to watch newly released series online?

[@japaneseflea]

I was pulling sunflower stalks out of my garden this weekend and thought of making a shakuhachi out of it.... yea I agree probably wouldn't be the same

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Hahahah!

[@edwardlee2122]

Thanks for the video! Your videos are always a good resource

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

:-)

[@KurtRichards]

Very good video and very helpful advice. I guess I would choose the jiari.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Via Google Translate: Great choice! Please keep me updated on what you go with. :-)

[@kazunori8565]

My budget is 500 dollars, I'll probably go with a jinashi, I primarily want to Learn how to play tge songs from ghost of tsushima, that game Changed my live forever, it's a powerful story, so many wise quotes threw out the game and showed me the world of zen and haiku

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

500 for a good jinashi would be hard to find, but what I would recommend in that case is the bell. Best of luck!

[@xuanhuynguyen1207]

thanks for sharing ur experience

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Anytime :-)

[@tokinariyahiro-ik3em]

Hi shawn! Thank you for your great work for the shakuhachi community. It help me a lot those years 🙏 I have a 1.8 jiari. Next I was thinking to buy 2.3/2.4 jinashi. You think could be a good choice? What you suggest as a maker? 1000$ you think could be a good range price?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

It would be hard to find one at 1000 that would be good but I could find one for you for 2.5k to 3k

[@tokinariyahiro-ik3em]

@@TairyuShakuhachi It's a bit over my budget, but I can make the effort if it's worth it. You think I can try it in person when I'll come to Japan before buying it?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

@@tokinariyahiro-ik3em shipping back and forth from Japan is expensive. Just be prepared for a big expense shipping back and forth. But yes you can try one

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

My recommendation, message me on discord or email me right before you come to Japan. I’ll hook you up.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

My recommendation, message me on discord or email me right before you come to Japan. I’ll hook you up.

[@gxvault4166]

Where in Portugal or inEurope can I get one????

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Online from an international site. You won’t find one inside Portugal or the EU unless you find something secondhand

[@gxvault4166]

​@@TairyuShakuhachimany thanks for the quick reply.

[@josuefox]

Hello :) I have started learning shinobue. I am also interested (now or in the future) to learn shakuhachi. But I have some doubts about the fact to learn two different flutes with two differents approaches : the way to hold it, the way to blow in it, the embouchures, the fingerings ... Do you think I should focus only one flute because it would be difficult (I think) to master the techniques if I keep changing flute. Maybe the question is silly, like "can we learn two languages in same time?" because we can't mix them but I don't know, with flute, maybe it's about muscles memories and it would be difficult in these conditions. Another question : my first shakuhachi flute would be in fiber carbon (plastic ?) .. hesitating between the Yuu and another model : The Gen. Have you heard about it ? ( GLASS FIBRE SHAKUHACHI 1.8 "GEN" BY DAISUKE KAMINAGA sold on mejiro) .. Thank you

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Thank you so much for commenting. It’s a difficult question and really it depends on you. I know it’s probably not the answer that you want it but it’s the truth. For example you gave the language example, I learned two languages at the same time and didn’t have a problem with it. However I was highly motivated to learn the two languages and had a lot of inspiration and enough time to manage it.. That being said do you have passion for both instruments? Do you have time to commit to both instruments? If so then there’s no reason why you can’t learn both of the instruments at the same time. The only thing I would be concerned about is the overall approach of the instruments like you mentioned but with the right teachers in right guidance you can definitely do it.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

And as for the second portion of your question about materials for Shakuhachi, as long as it’s made well it should be fine. I am always skeptical of new models of flutes that come out so my personal recommendation would be to stick with what works and what has been used. Go with shakuhachi Yuu

[@josuefox]

@@TairyuShakuhachi Thank you very much for your opinion, and fast reply ( faster than french administration lol ). I do understand that it depends on my capacity and motivation. I think it can be already a good opportunity to try both and see maybe a preference by heart. To be honest, if i had really a choice, it wouldn't have been for flute but biwa instrument but it's so unreachable (the price, the lessons in France, it's even rare on youtube, unlike koto or shamisen) ... I don't want to say it was a second choice by defaut, but I do like flute sounds. I first checked shakuhachi because I am more into "bass" sounds. But it looked like an elite instrument about access and price. I checked Shinobue, which is more accessible for price. Anyway ... I need to try, the fact not having a teacher maybe is also a problem, I can't afford paying a teacher so it's kinda an adventure ! .. I will see ! Thank you again for your helpful opinion

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Anytime @@josuefox

[@franktupay8610]

The beginners flute by Yozan that you played, what is the cost and website to visit and purchase?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Website is in the description and I believe it was 800 but that was also 4 years ago

[@sherryb9770]

What is the deal about buying a shakuhachi with the mouthpiece built on a node or not? I have one with a nodal mouthpiece and one without. The one with a nodal mouthpiece seems to be a higher-quality instrument overall.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Lots of reasons but the main thing is that without the node there you really can’t make a good shakuhachi utaguchi.

[@sherryb9770]

@@TairyuShakuhachi Thank you! 🙏 I’m going to learn something here. I can play the one without the nodal mouthpiece very nicely like a rim-blown Pueblo flute, but can I play it like a Shakuhachi? Remains to be seen and heard. It will be interesting to see how I progress between the two. 😉

[@DemagogeMic]

Thanks. This helps a lot.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

You’re very welcome!

[@MarceloKuroi]

Because I'm a good sport (I recommend a friend when and where to go to Japan), and my friend is full of money, I received a plastic shakuhachi as a gift. Having played a real shakuhachi before, I don't know if it's a misperception from me but I found it very heavy and tiring to play. Do you agree?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

They do tend to be very very heavy.

[@MrPirreE]

The Yuu I think weights like a ton after a while. The Bell is pretty descent in compair.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Agreed

[@brdbloom1]

Are you able to make recommendations as to reliable sources to purchase a Japanese flute? I would like to speak with you if possible? Thank you

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Yes, please email me from my website, ShawnHeadMusic.com I would be happy to speak with you anytime and introduce you to flutes as well.

[@wherewolf87]

Make a video on HOW to actually make your first sound. Been a month and still can’t produce a sound 😭

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4KmmZ-Orpyeeq8

[@quentina7370]

Thank you for the video ! I started learning shakuhachi 1 month ago with a shakuhachi Yuu. Do you think it is a good idea to upgrade to a Bell shakuhachi or it's wiser to wait and buy a more expansive one later in my studies ?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

They are so close in level that I would just wait to do a bamboo! Would love to hear some notes and see how it going.

[@nahte-]

what if you want to teach yourself and you don’t have a teacher?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Via Google Translate: you can start here with these free lessons. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3bMlamiebWLmLM

[@edwardlee2122]

What do you think about wooden shakuhachi?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

I have never really tried one. But that gives me another idea for a video review :-)

[@edwardlee2122]

Yes! Please if you have the time to! Wondering about the sound, durability, stability, weight, etc. Thanks!

[@jacksonsmain5966]

What would be best for the ghost of Tsushima themes and under 300USD

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

I would just go with a Shakuhachi Yuu. Finding a good bamboo flute for under 300 is nearly impossible. 50 years ago, easy.

[@jacksonsmain5966]

@@TairyuShakuhachi thank you so much

[@user-sj3pm1hd5l]

Thanks to your video, I‘m really interested in buyingthe 都山流1尺8寸 （1423c-to18）from the Yozan website. However, I am struggling to find out if these shakuhachi are Jiari or Jinashi ones as I would like to have a jiari. Do you know how to distinguish them on the website?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

All of the flutes listed on Yozan's site will be Jiari. Jinashi are special order.

[@joselekiwi5695]

I have a xiao flute, and Im planning buy a shakuhachi. For me it wasnt very difficult to actually make a sound. How much difficult it is?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Very different.

[@99jdave99]

is there a way to get a yuu or bell without having to wait forever? This is my second time trying to buy one in the past year and I've really lost my patience to just wait blindly at this point. I tried to buy a yuu almost exactly 6 months ago, but it was out of stock, and stock still hasn't come back (I actually had to get a refund because I didn't see the shipping delay notification when I bought it the first time). I'd buy one off ebay, and there's quite a few up, but the ones I saw all ship internationally, which is non-ideal since it'd be my first time dealing with it, *and* it'd be pretty expensive (with the consideration that I'm buying this as a beginner instrument meant to test out if I enjoy practicing and playing it). As for the bell, I didn't know that it had a waitlist when I tried to buy one back then (if it did. last time all I saw of note was "waiting for bamboo to dry..."), so I didn't put myself on the list back then, unfortunately. I'd just wait to buy one of those, but wait time on the bell is frankly obscene for being an "entry level" shakuhachi (even being an in-demand "brand," 9+ months is simply ridiculously long for its price and intended purpose), and I can't find any ebay listings for it. I did put myself on the list now, but the current 10 month wait time is definitely *substantially* longer than I want to wait at this point (especially when I've already waited like 6 or 7 months for yuu stock...). And just to cover my bases, any "real" shakuhachis would be out of my price point at this point due to the reason I'm buying it, since the only kinda thing I could justify buying at this time would be a low-quality crack-prone instrument that could give me a false impression when I'm trying things out for the first time. If you have any ideas as to what to do in this current beginner-instrument-dry period, I'd appreciate them! Any frustration I express here isn't directed at you, just in case it comes across that way 😅

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Send me an email from my website, I’m sure one of my students has an extra one and they can sell it to you.

[@edwardlee2122]

This is not related to the video...but do you ever feel pressure in your ears (causing popping sounds when swallowing) from playing Shakuhachi?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Hmmm... this sounds like you may be pressing to get a sound. I’ve never had this happen before

[@gregcoupe]

Thanks so much :)

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

:-)

[@thevita4461]

Super informative! By the way, I’m trying to buy from Yozan but the method of payment is a little confusing since I’m overseas. Wondering if you have any words of advice? Thank you mane :)

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Yes, send me an email to [e-mail] He lives close to me I can help you out.

[@thevita4461]

@@TairyuShakuhachi The helping hand is much appreciated!

[@maxbennetts7280]

Hey bit rude of me, but could i please do the same? Lookin for a beginner from yozan aswell?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Please feel welcomed to emailed me.

[@アーニー-y5w]

After searching on other websites. I'm thinking of buying from the same maker as your shakuhachi. I'm thinking something under 100k yen from Yozan if I decide to go down that route.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

That is wonderful, please let me know if you go through with it! Always happy to see a new flute in peoples hands. Are you a beginner or have been playing for awhile?

[@アーニー-y5w]

@@TairyuShakuhachi Beginner. This will be my first shakuhachi. I'll let you know. The Japanese site of Yozan has more to offer than the English site.. Cheers for the reply

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Yes it does!!

[@アーニー-y5w]

@@TairyuShakuhachi Cheers mate. Is there a big difference in tozan vs kinko style?

[@アーニー-y5w]

Update I bought my shakuhachi through Yozan. Just need some lessons now. Also I got advised to store it in a plastic bag to prevent from drying out.

[@MissionSilo]

Why not a didgeridoo?

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

touché

[@MissionSilo]

@RenzohFlutes could the didgeridoo be used for same meditation purposes as the shakuhaci? Entry level didgeridoo isn't as severe as a shakuhaci.

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

@@MissionSilo anything can be!

[@MissionSilo]

@RenzohFlutes would you look into it? As in using or designing a digigraoo to produce shakuhaci sounds as a budget entry for the Japanese flute? To learn shakuaci pieces on the digigraoo? Is that possible?

[@baronsamedi5741]

First

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

first to buy a shakuhachi right?

[@baronsamedi5741]

@@TairyuShakuhachi I can't afford one right now

[@TairyuShakuhachi]

Hopefully soon!