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March 27, 2005
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 March 27, 2005 12:52 PM
Comments
Perry,
I'm enjoying your blog very much. Please keep posting. I'm expecting my first shakuhachi in the mail in a few days. Currently I'm a reformed highland bagpiper :)
best,
eric
Posted by: eric at March 27, 2005 02:25 PM
HI Eric, Thanks for your feedback. All I can hope for is that people will enjoy learning about this special instrument. Please feel free to ask me anything anytime.
Best of luck on your new path with your shakuhachi.
Namaste, PErry
Posted by: Perry Yung at March 27, 2005 11:22 PM
Is there any way possible that there would be a way to obtain a cut in half view of what a shakuhachi looks like inside, I mean a real inside look of a shakuhachi. I am so interested in this and have spent hours on the internet searching. Although there is alot out on this awesome instrument, this I cannot find
Posted by: Barry Yamagata at May 14, 2005 03:33 AM