Also, we do ship internationally, however, those shipping rates have become
expensive and unpredictable lately. If you are outside the US please contact
us so we can work out what to charge you without any big surprises.
Shakuhachis
Classification/Size
Price
Student Model
$130
Professional Model
$250
Key:
D (traditional)
C (large)
This is our version of the Japanese Shakuhachi, the traditional
pentatonic instrument of Japan.
The word "Shakuhachi" translates as the length of the flute:
Shaku (about 12") + Hachi (eight tenths of a Shaku). This length
produces the key of D, the traditional key of this world famous
instrument known for its eerie, haunting sound and deep body
penetrating resonance.
The mouthpiece is a cleft style inlayed with a very thin slice of buffalo
hoof, which allows for the lovely reed-like vibrations and high ringing
sound for which the flute is known. The instrument is fashioned from a
long growing, very hard variety of bamboo which we grow and hand harvest
in Florida. It is traditionally made from the root or lowest joint of
the pole, which is most dense and requires much effort to achieve a perfect
bore. We sell this as our deluxe model (sorry, not currently available).
The first picture above shows an example of a professional model on the left,
a deluxe model in the center and student model on the right. The second
picture shows a closeup of the buffalo hoof inlay and the third shows a
closeup of the base of the deluxe model.
This very special instrument is more challenging to play than the other
flutes but well worth the effort. We produce the traditional key of D,
the non-traditional key of C and other keys upon request. We also
offer a student model without the mouthpiece inlay at lesser cost.
