« February 2005 | Main | April 2005 »
March 27, 2005
My shakuhachi on CDs
I enjoy getting CDs in the mail all the time from people who record with my shakuhachi.This one came in a few weeks ago and I've been listening to it everyday. What initally caught my eye was the CD cover of Ankor Wat. I was fortunate enough to perform in Phnom Phen once and did a side trip to Siem Reap where the temples are. I can honestly say it was one of the most spiritual places I've been on this planet.
Check out the music at http://www.cdbaby.com. Just search under Ron Bartlett's Sojourn.
Here is the blurb on the webpage:
Haunting vocals and capitaving rhythms take you on a journey through spiritually powerful music of many countries and religions. Inspired by many artists from from around the world drawing from the very heart and soul of each culture.
You can hear samples of the tracks. This CD really captures a spritual depth through his music. There is definately a feeling fo having travelled from one place to another. Thumbs up!
Posted by Perry Yung at 11:04 PM | Comments (0)
Utaguchi Inlay Fun
I'm having a lot of fun these days using different material for the utaguchi inlays. Traditionally, water buffalo horn was used because that's what was available as inlay material on music instruments made in Japan at that time. The Shamisen has a bridge and pick made from Water buffalo horn. Nowadays, makers in Japan are using high grade Acrylic because it's not only less expensive, but easier to work with and less likely to be gnawed on my insects. I've repaired a lot of old antique utaguchi with pits in them from being chewed on my bugs. I can guaranty that bugs will not gnaw into Acrylic.
Here is a pic of a Kinko style Mother of Pearl inlay wrapped in sterling silver. I've had the pleasure of making a few of these in the past year. They come out quite beautifully...unfortunatly, my camera can not capture the depth of the iridescence.
This is a CHIKUSING Model 2.4 rootend custom made for a student of Michael Chikuzen Gould.
Posted by Perry Yung at 12:52 PM | Comments (3)
March 26, 2005
Winter Shakuhachi Repairs.
Winter is gone, well....almost. We just had a snow storm on the first day of spring! Maybe now the repairs department here at Yung Flutes will get a breather. I had tons of cracked shakuhachi come in this winter. Please store your flute in an AIR TIGHT containter. The best is a simple plastic bag with a rubber band to seal it. If you don' t have a long bag, just use a double layer of the plastic bags from your dry cleaning.
When I was a kid, I went to the dentist quite often. One day, Dr Fong held up a hand mirror to my mouth an said, "Take a look at how big your cavity is. I had to drill this big hole. I want you too see this so you'll brush your teeth from now on!"
Well, folks, some of you don't know what goes into an inlaied rattan binding. There's a lot of surgery involved.
This is a 2.7 Hoshi Bonchiku. Look at how deep I have to cut into the bamboo in order to do the lower wrapping. This flute needed two at the bottom.
After it sat over night, the stuborn root tried to open up so I extended the width of the lower binding.
There are four more inlays done on the top piece for insurance. The utaguchi is an variation on the Miean style. Interesting choice for a thundering modern shakuhachi.
I also moved the Chi hole for an easier reach. This is a great flute from a great maker. As you all know, each shakuhachi hand made in the traditional way is different, even from the same maker. When a great flutes comes into the shop, I measure the bore for future reference.
Other repairs this winter:
This one had a kusabi at the top - a Japanese woodworking nail. Japanese shakuhachi makers stopped using these because they continued to crack and the nails caused additional cracking.
The original crack was above the thumb hole which was near a node. It was tricky getting the placement correct.
This Kinshu had a custom painted surface so it posed other problems. The paint was chipping even with careful cutting with my super fine toothed Japanese saw. I decided the older look of the urushi coated inlayed bindings would look better than rattan because of the color.
Once again, unless you want deep channels carved into your flute, I recommend the simpler and just as effective topical monofilament binding. That's what Kinya does in Japan. You can read the entry on how to do your own monofilament bindings on this blog.
That's it from the shop. Please remember to store your flutes in an airtight container... and brush your teeth at least twice a day.
Your shak doc, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at 09:29 AM | Comments (1)
March 13, 2005
Healthy Side Effects of Playing shakuhachi
Another response to an email from a beginer. The name has been changed to protect the innocent.
Hi Mr Devito,
> Hey Perry,
>
> The flute came in today. It's very nice. So far we've just been trying to maintain a note --
> getting better though. Yes, it is quite a reach! We'll see how it goes.
> Thanks!
> Danny
Please look up my entries on Sasa Buki and How to Play Long Flutes on this blog. They'll give you a method to practice by
The experience of playing shakuihachi music is amazing. But the act itself has many rewards even if you can't play the music yet.
The hurdle of learning to get a sound can be difficult and can be frustrating when unguided. However, the activity of breathing with deep, full lung inhalations and long exhalations is something many Yoga practitioners do everyday. It will give you mental and spiritual benefits which leads to physical health. For me, breathing like this for just 10 to 20 minutes a day does wonders for my outlook on the world. This kind of meditative relaxed stated is a large part of the experience of shakuhachi, even if it is not recognized by some.
Thanks again and please stay in touch with your discoveries!
Posted by Perry Yung at 09:40 AM | Comments (1)