Shakuhachi making

Close-up on Bamboo Series A photo album of especially interesting flutes I have made. Geared for those who have shakuhachimania. Every now and then I will introduce something new, so be sure to check it out! (Instruments in this series not for sale.) 　　　　　　　　　　　Click on the photo at right.

A few words about my work schedule and other ditherings

　I make my living as both a shakuhachi performer and maker. My schedule is very fluid. Performing takes precedence, and I fit instrument making between performances. When I was apprenticed to Chikusen Tamai, who taught me to make shakuhachi, he used to say that being a performer and a maker at the same time was like trying to wear two shoes on one foot. In a way I think he was right. It probably is a good idea to specialize in one thing that you do very well. But I love to perform and I love to make shakuhachi, and I probably couldn't make a living just doing one. So here I am with two shoes on one foot. Especially in the case of shakuhachi, I have found that playing has made me a better maker, and making has made me a better player, and that it is possible to do both at once. However,(there had to be a catch) I can only make a few shakuhachi at a time, perhaps at a pace of one instrument per month, but even that varies. Ideally, I would have a huge stock of instruments already made so that I could respond to orders right away. and it may have something to do with my personality that I have nothing in stock. I always think, "I'm going to make lots of shakuhachi so I can have some in stock". Today I am still thinking it. I may not be such a great businessman, so I am deeply indebted to the people who like my instruments enough to want to play them. Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou.

About ordering a shakuhachi

• My shakuhachi are all essentially made-to-order. It usually takes from about six months to a year to finish an instrument after receiving the order.
• I think shakuhachi are too expensive on the whole, so I try to make them within a reasonable price range. (The average price is around 200,000 yen.)
• In addition to standard shakuhachi, I also make shakuhachi for honkyoku playing. (Honkyoku is the solo music repertory developed by komuso wandering monks.) These are simple and beautiful intruments, sometimes having interesting shapes, made in one piece, with no plaster (ji) on the inside. (Sometimes I add a dab of ji to help with the sound.)
• Standard shakuhachi (made with ji and a nakatsugi joint) are tuned to equalized tuning, A=442 (though this may vary with the player).
• The utaguchi (mouthpiece) insert can be in Kinko, Tozan, or Kinya-style.

About repairs
　　　Yes, I do repair work, too. Feel free to Email me with your questions.
　　　I have lots of experience restoring antique shakuhachi to their former beauty. (And I really enjoy this work!)

How to order a shakuhachi:
Please contact me by email.

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