Shakuhachi Intro 6: Cheap bamboo shakuhachi

[@pedrova8058]

the conical bore is a legacy of the recorders (the "modern" ones, from the Baroque onwards). What it does is it allows the octaves to be more precise. In simpler instruments (quena, medieval flutes, traditional shakuhachi, kaval, ney, etc), you have to "tune" the octaves of the upper registers as you play, because they tend to be a bit out of tune. Obviously, it also influences the timbre of the instrument, a conical interior allows all the notes to have a more or less similar volume, and the lowest notes have a very specific combination of harmonics (in cylindrical tubes, the lowest notes are more "airy" and more rounded) . (I remembered the colombian "pipes", (gaita colombiana) they are also usually made according to the traditional method, and of course they are not 100% in " electronic tune" (although there are "modern" manufacturers that precisely tune them) . In general, what is done is to tune the 2nd octave more or less precisely (that is more difficult to adjust after), then it's the notes of the 1st octave that are usually further away from the corresponding tuning (because those are easy to be corrected by the musician while playing). If someone wants to check the intonation of a traditional instrument, check the 2nd range . The holes can be touched up, not great science. Even an experienced maker can define which octave he wants to set (this is done by carving the inside of the hole in question, giving it a diagonal orientation (upper/lower as needed). It is a typical job in the manual making of recorders, oboes, bassoon etc. Sorry for the long text hahaha xD. I was hooked by this flute while ago and I'm studying to be able to make my own. I have learned a lot with the channel; thanks for the content!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Thank you for your kind words and thank you so much for taking the time to give this explanation! 🙏 It's pretty obvious that I don't know a lot about shakuhachi construction, so for me learning these things is very interesting. Thanks again! 🙏

[@jero2955]

Hi sir, do you have further information about the second explanation? (The one about setting the Octaves) im trying to make my own also, thank you!

[@dillonsnyder1172]

I commented on your previous plastic Shakuhachi reviews, and decided to buy a simple PVC flute from an experienced maker of bamboo Shakuhachi and native American flutes. It was cheap (25 dollars) and plays well for learning. About 3 months in, I have learned to sound the 5 notes in tune, and am working on the higher Kan pitches. (Mostly in vain, as of yet. 😂) I was tempted to buy a cheap bamboo flute, but decided against it. I think I'll learn for about a year on the PVC, learn general technique and get some songs under my belt, and save up 1500 or so in the meantime to buy a proper Bamboo flute from Japan. Thank you for your videos, they definitely helped me make an informed decision!

[@MarkusGuhe]

I’m glad to hear the videos are useful to you! 🙂 I think your plan makes a lot of sense - in fact I often recommend that if you want to explore/test the instrument, a Yuu is a good first flute, but if you plan to take it a bit more seriously then getting a PVC shakuhachi for the first months/year and saving up for a beginner bamboo instrument is the way to go!

[@alexcarter8807]

That looks like a "Jim Johnson" AKA "Tozan" from Amazon. That utaguchi is made using traditional horn not plastic. Source: A mouse or something nibbled mine. The bindings are indeed nice on those and they are beautiful flutes. They are 1-piece which some prefer, and some would rather be able to take it apart.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Yes, that's indeed the maker. It was a bit difficult to identify the material of the inlay. Some people prefer shakuhachi without a joint, which is completely fine of course. For me personally I find them quite cumbersome when touring.

[@jeanmtiger]

Really detailed review. Thanks a lot for posting this!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OldBear1991]

I almost bought this flute. But at the last moment I decided to get the yuu. I think I made the right choice. There's nothing more I can't stand than a poorly tuned instrument. Thanks for the information.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Good to hear this was useful for you! Tuning a shakuhachi takes a maker a long time, which is one of the main reason that good shakuhachi are so expensive!

[@881buddha]

The long fluffy thing is a pad saver. It’s placed inside a saxophone when left in the case.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Yes, that's what I've heard after I made the video. Still I'm not sure how useful it is for shakuhachi ... 🤔

[@yogawithdoug]

​@@MarkusGuhea well-made padsaver can be fine to use, for a saxophone. A cheap padsaver can leave behind lots of tiny fibers in the sax which can work their way into all sorts of spots, doing damage. I don't think that would be an appropriate tool to use for this. A swab and a weight are easy and predictable.

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@yogawithdoug Yes, I think so too. Tiny fibers would probably not be an issue for a shakuhachi, but then you'd have to clean that once in a while too ...

[@mattp4080]

Inspired by this video I decided to test my Shakuhachi Yuu for pitch. First note- 1/4th above D. Second note- 1/4th above F. Here I start getting disappointed that the shakuhachi isn't tuned very well. 😑Then: third note,-1/4th above G, fourth note- 1/4th above A, fifth note- 1/4th above C.... I then realize the problem was with me and not the flute. 😅 I shifted it back on my chin a bit and was able to produce the notes in tune.

[@MarkusGuhe]

😆 Yes, that's one of the hardest lessons: It's not the flute, it's you! 😂 I'm glad to hear that you solved it. It's unusual to play too high at first, but that just shows that it's different everybody on the shakuhachi.

[@iypinguin6807]

Does it matter if my sakuhachi is made out (a sort of) 3D printed material? Or is it for practice purposes

[@MarkusGuhe]

The material influences the playability and sound of the instrument. A 3D printed one is probably more of a beginer's flute, but it's always impossible to say without seeing the instrument.

[@riss3927]

Eric the Flutemaker in USA has his version of a Shakuhachi flute, which I have--but it's not my main flute for practicing Shakuhachi. I really like his and it is usually easier to play, but the true Shakuhachi depth of sound is not there (it seems to be better sound-wise than the flute in this video but I'm not sure).

[@MarkusGuhe]

I'm not familiar with those flutes, but from a quick glance at the web site it seems that he's not making shakuhachi; the utaguchi is different. Making good sounding and easy-to-play shakuhachi is difficult and needs a lot of labour and experience, which is why they are so expensive ... But if you enjoy your flute that's all that matters really.

[@riss3927]

@@MarkusGuhe Thank you for helping me dissect the science of flutes; upon futher exploration I found that Erik uses the andean quena concept, instead of the shakuhachi type utaguchi. The end-blown oriental flute from Erik is the same scale as the shakuhachi, and a very cheap flute, so it was nice to have it as my first flute, as a lead-up to a shakuhachi. I have an all-pvc shakuhachi now also.

[@riss3927]

Actually I have the YUU flute, and just learned from your other video that this is NOT pvc! It was a gift and with it I have a how to book written by Yoshinobu Taniguchi.

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@riss3927 I’m glad to hear the videos help you find your way around the shakuhachi world. 🙂 I’ve seen that book a few times, but have not used it. But I’m sure it will be helpful for you! And if you have questions, you know where to look for answers! 😉

[@PeterStOnge-mb7qz]

Who would you recommend for an advanced student but not professional flute maker? Another words, good quality but not absolutely best?

[@MarkusGuhe]

Most shakuhachi makers also make student flutes. There's a comprehensive list here: shakuhachisociety.eu/people/makers/ If you're in Europe, you cold have a look here for example: www.chikudo-bamboo-flutes.com/en/ www.shakuhachi-jinashi.com In the US: www.shakuhachi.com In Brazil: facebook.com/luiz.roberto.5851/ Hope this helps.

[@LinA-rb1ry]

Could you make a video about how to play the first song? Thank you for your videos!

[@MarkusGuhe]

You're welcome! I'll make videos on playing songs, but I'm planning on covering other basic aspects first.

[@billoconnor1043]

I nearly wet myself laughing at 25:30, but it isn't straightforward (takes time to get them in tune (a month on average)). Watazumido played some out-of-tune flutes, and the Ji nashi crew, some very dear friends of mine amongst them, are more concerned with the life of the breath and the flow of a piece, more than pitch.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Yes, that was quite a cheeky remark. 😉 As you say, many players focus on sound colour and the overall effect of the piece rather than pitch. But I'm sure you've heard this many times within KSK: 'pitch is the number 1 priority!' 🙂

[@yanarguen1690]

Firts thanks for all! Then I wonder wich tuner do you use in this video?

[@MarkusGuhe]

You’re very welcome! The app is called insTuner: apps.apple.com/us/app/instuner-chromatic-tuner-with-tone-generator/id528923171 . There is also a free version available.

[@yanarguen1690]

@@MarkusGuhe Thanks again ;-) Unfortunately ain't no chance to use it since I'm a Linux aficionados!

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@yanarguen1690 No worries. I used Linux a lot too - I really like the underlying OS architecture! But for working on music, the Apple stuff really means a lot less tweaking by hand and thus more time for making music ... But there’s nothing special about this tuner; there are good ones available on all platforms (or so I’m told 😉).

[@yanarguen1690]

@@MarkusGuhe I'm using Audacity for a quick recording session... Ardour for pro ones...

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@yanarguen1690 Yes, Audacity is great; I’m using that quite a lot too!

[@alexcarter8807]

That fluffy thing is used for saxophones. I agree it has no use for a shakuhachi.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Oh, interesting! I didn't know that! 🙂 The traditional cloth plus string still works best for shakuhachi in my view.

[@alexcarter8807]

"The Internet" is not a shakuhachi maker. There's a lot of junk out there but the "Jim Johnson" instruments seem to be pretty good.

[@MarkusGuhe]

Hehe, good point. 🙂 Our opinion about these flutes is not the same though.

[@Whiskey0880]

You got a much fancier case than i did from the maker lol, but it did come with a really nice blue dragon patterned "sheath" for the flute to slide into. Could the flute be sent to a maker to be retuned?

[@MarkusGuhe]

Hehe, if you like cases ... 😉 The quality of all the 'stuff' is quite good actually. I'm not sure how easy it would be for the flute to be re-tuned. It definitely would be a lot of work, so it would not be cheap.

[@Whiskey0880]

@@MarkusGuhe i am a bit of a sucker for all the stuff that comes with. Bags, cases and what not. Though i do prefer the cloth and weighted string to the accompanying... brush? Feather duster? Lol that things a beauty. Ah right i thought it wouldn't be cheap but i'm glad for your clarifaction on that so thank you. By the way, have you ever seen or played any flutes with a finger hole right on top of a joint on the bamboo?

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@Whiskey0880 Hehe, yes, I didn't really know what to call it either. Yes, I've tried a couple of flutes that have a finger hole on a joint. I guess it's something you could get used to, but I find it quite uncomfortable.

[@Whiskey0880]

@@MarkusGuhe well what's good about this one is that the joint has be sanded and smoothed out so the finger rests comfortably on it. It's the first shakuhach i ever purchased and it's my favourite. About 130 i think it was? From amazon. After playing ghost of tsushima i was intrigued by the shakuhachi, and i came across "japanese flute as heard in ghost of tsushima", so i just went for it. It was a gamble, as i know you rightly said before, you buy what you pay for. I love it though. It's very light at 200g, but i think it's comfortable and makes a sweet sound.

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@Whiskey0880 That's great - enjoying your instrument is really all that matters. You can start learning shakuhachi on any instrument, but some things are just very difficult or impossible to do if you don't have a good quality instrument.

[@charlesgaskell5899]

Slip of the tongue: 18:35 'sharp by 28 percent' - should be 'sharp by 28 cents'. Interesting that you are relying on Equal Temperament tuning - have you done the same exercise on an instrument that you think has good tuning, to see how large the variation is there? It would also be interesting to see an octave comparison (for example from low Eb to high Eb to see just how bad they are, without any influence of Equal Temperament (a octave is an octave...) But overall, thanks for a very informative video!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Hehe, yes, I noticed that slip only too late … 🙂 I've actually not measured my instruments; I know there is some variation, for example the maker made the tsu intentionally flat (to make it easier to play tsu-meri). With the many degrees of freedom on shakuhachi I'm also not sure that it's possible to perfectly tune a shakuhachi, and some adaptation will always be necessary; I just regard this as part of playing the instrument. Equal temperament actually is typically the reference point for the basic notes, at least in my lineage, and I didn't want to overcomplicate the topic. Pitches of meri notes are a completely different issue of course …

[@MrAnmh]

which tuner app are you using please?

[@MarkusGuhe]

The app is called insTuner: apps.apple.com/us/app/instuner-chromatic-tuner-with-tone-generator/id528923171 . There is also a free version available.

[@Prajnana]

Thanks for the insightful review, Markus. Considering that this "low cost" bamboo flute is unsatisfactory (and $220 is not an insignificant amount of money), this is probably typical of any other inexpensive bamboo shakuhachi. It seems likely, therefore, that a "good" bamboo shakuhachi in the several hundred dollar price range does not exist. This leaves the Yuu, Hoshi Arashi and Bell flutes as lower cost alternatives for the beginner. How do these shakuhachi compare to the "real thing"? In your experience do they come close to a replicating a good bamboo shakuhachi or do they also present significant compromises?

[@MarkusGuhe]

Great question, and you analysis is spot on! Short answer: You can watch these two videos where I talk about that 🙂: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmayoaGdbpmim7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWmWYZWhbc6Kd9E Long answer: There's a noticeable difference of non-bamboo shakuhachi to the real thing, both in playability and in sound. However, for beginners using any of the three that you mention works very well. It takes some time to develop basic tone production, breath control and recognising pitches. Once you get to a certain level, having a bamboo instrument will allow you to go further, and your playing and your sound will benefit from a real bamboo shakuhachi. But even then one of these three may still be useful, because they are pretty much indestructible.

[@Prajnana]

@@MarkusGuhe Thanks Markus! I'll check those videos, too.

[@hokusai3965]

It is just in your head

[@MarkusGuhe]

There is no head, just MU! 😂

[@hokusai3965]

@@MarkusGuhe cool

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@hokusai3965 😉

[@danielevarelli1652]

maybe a shakuhachi maker can improve the tuning (if it is worth) ...

[@MarkusGuhe]

I would expect it's possible to improve the tuning. However, that would take time and effort. So I don't think it would be cheap.

[@danielevarelli1652]

@@MarkusGuhe I guess from 50 to 150 euro. But at the end, I would consider asking to make a student bamboo shakuhachi, no frills, for the same overall price...

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@danielevarelli1652 I don't think it would be that cheap. For this particular food quite a lot of work on the bore would be needed. But I'm not a shakuhachi maker …

[@danielevarelli1652]

@@MarkusGuhe nor me 😀... I just had one old 1.8 re-tuned for 200 euros...but this included heavy work on the bore and the utaguchi, and urushi lacquering...

[@MarkusGuhe]

@@danielevarelli1652 I see. That seem a good price! I’m just thinking that the bore on this one has not really been shaped in any way, so that’s why I’m assuming it’d be more like a tuning rather than just re-tuning ...