Shakuhachi Introduction 20 - A new 1.6 (Instrument Review)

A 1.6 shakuhachi is sometimes considered a ‘Haru no umi’ (春の海) flute because it is needed to play this very popular piece. But for playing honkyoku its use is a bit limited. In this video I’m sharing my thoughts about a new 1.6 shakuhachi by the maker Kawasemi after having played it for a few weeks.
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Watch other parts of this series here:
15: First exercises: • Shakuhachi Introductio...
16: Repeats & Ornaments: • Shakuhachi Introductio...
17: My secret practice: • Shakuhachi Introductio...
18: Koro koro (Special Techniques 1): • Shakuhachi Introductio...
19: Komibuki (Special Techniques 2): • Shakuhachi Introductio...
Complete playlist: • Shakuhachi Introductio...
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[@joeg3950]

I meant to start lessons. However, my divorce took precedence. Now, I can begin lessons. Whenever you post a new video, I take time out of my day to watch with undivided attention. Cheers!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Thank you for this -- great to hear! (Not the divorce part ... 😉)

[@sambo234]

Great maker and great bang for buck on these instruments.

[@MarkusGuhe]

I can't speak generally, but for this flute, I agree! 🙂

[@Neosan1982]

Another clear, concise, honest, ethical, informative, and fun video production. I still prefer the sound color of the 1.8, and the 1.6 seems even more challenging than the 1.8. Thank you for a comprehensive, positive, and interesting introduction to this Kawasemi 1.6!

[@MarkusGuhe]

Thank you for your nice comment! 🙏 I’m always doing my best. 🙂

[@paweszulik3668]

Hello a nice video! I have come to like 1.6 more recently. There is much to play for 1.6, even some grande pieces, but these are niche recital pieces which require a top skilled string player as well to be performed, like some from Nanakoshima Kinichi. For solo pieces I would agree, mostly because disadvantages of 1.6 over 1.8 Not everyone has time to practice third length (1.8, 2.4, 1.6) 1.6 is harder to vary timbre wise (it just sounds smoother and people expect it to be like that because of the repertoire) 1.6 is shakier on the yuri (pitch wise), so unnecessary movements are exagerrated, it needs to be trained separately for honkyoku (Ru etc) 1.6 also does not react well to power playing in highest registers which tend to sound thin or harsh. In my opinion this size wants a little bit of gentleness. I think Tozan players sound really well in that length, but it is just my opinion the truly explosive rough sounds are better for longer shakuhachi, the sound is usually modern and bright, too bright for some of the moods that one wants to play advantages of 1.6 over 1.8: the sound is more uniform throughout the register, more modern easier to play western/chromatic pieces as the response is faster easier to play faster diatonic music faster response to tonguing and accents easier half holing and transitions easier to hold

[@MarkusGuhe]

Hiya, thanks for sharing your thoughts - that's very interesting, and I basically agree with everything. 🙏 As I mentioned, I mainly play honkyoku, so the longer flutes are usually better suited for me; the 'jishi' pieces work with 1.6 though. I'm just getting into playing more on the 1.6, but yes: it's more 'modern', cleaner - overall a bit more 'flute-like'. I find myself drawing more on my shinobue technique than with the longer shakuhachi. 🙂

[@CooperHaydenn]

Who was the maker you recommended as the best in the beginning of the video? Im in the market and wohld love to do some research on them!

[@MarkusGuhe]

His name is Miura Ryuho. Just be aware: He is very much in demand, and only produces flutes to order. And even then it usually takes years before you get it. There's always a slim chance of finding a used one, of course ... 🙂

[@blablabla6-k2d]

Hi Markus, is there a particular shakuhachi that's used for Japanese folk music? The 1.5?

[@MarkusGuhe]

As I understand it, when accompanying a singer the flute is chosen according to the voice and pitch of the singer. Min‘yo players have a big selection of shakuhachi lengths. When playing just shakuhachi it’s your personal preference. Personally I like shorter flutes (2.1 or shorter).