This old Myoan shakuhachi came in for minor cosmetic restoration. It was a fine playing old flute that just needed a little TLC. I originally estimated the work to be about three weeks due to urushi curing time But, it took longer than expected. Old flutes often look wonderful from the patina and aged dings, but when you start working cosmetically on one thing, another may beg for attention. It’s like working on a car. If you fix a dent, soon the bent bumper is gonna need work, then vinyl on top etc….it can go on and on.

When it first came in. We choose to replace the rattan with stronger cord.

There was some work previously done on the utaguchi. This replacement is clear Acrylic.

It wasn’t on the originalto do list but I cleaned it up by fill the chips and polishing. There was not a problem with it, I just hate seeing less than perfect utaguchi.

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There was one missing Kusabi, old Japanese carpenter nails sometimes referred to as Butterfly Nails.

It had to be filled before the new bindings went on. Afterwards, authentic Japanese Honshu Red Urushi was applied seal them.

There were a few chips on the edge of the inlay at the root opening. This probably didn’t affect the sound.

We decided to refurbish it as it’s something that could just bug you because it’s there. I couldn’t tell if it made a sonic difference after. But, in my mind, it certainly felt better.

This is a really old flute. The bat motif carved into the root looks like old Chinese bat motifs.

This flute came from Jeff Cairns. He’s making some very nice instruments available at great prices. I’ve had about six of his flutes pass through here last year. All were fine flutes. They were especially great for the price. None needed any repair, only cosmetic issues or a loose joint at worst. Because I greatly respect what Jeff is doing I am offering to refurbish his flutes for 50% off the normal cost.

Please feel free to ask any questions what so ever.