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December 31, 2006
Myoan Shakuhachi Reclaims it's Spirit in Barrington RI
I had two old Myoan style shakuhachi in the shop this week.
The top one is a 2.0 pitched in between C and B. Tsu, Re and Chi were about a semi tone sharp. At first. I thought I would sharpen Ro and the other notes but decided that flattening three notes would be better to retain it's natural characteristics.
I liked the polished old root of the 2.0
Those of you who follow my blogs saw the short 1.8 a week ago where the utaguchi was "defiled". My guess is that someone tried to make it into a modern flute but wasn't very successful. I had torell the area with CA glue and bamboo dust and inserted a water buffalo horn utaguchi.
The holes of the 2.0 are now smaller but Otsu plays so much better in tune. There are two issues in Kan - Chi and Hi Go, but these can be played with alternate fingerings.
Hear the 2.0 play an excerpt of KYOREI.
I am very pleased that I was able to help the 1.8 reclaim it's soul. With some sound samples from the owner, I was able to hear the sound of an old Myoan flute and player that he liked . This help me base my choices on how much to tune around the top and how deep to go with the utaguchi. Every natural flute sounds and plays different to some degree. But, with a decent pair of ears and lips, they can be gotten in the ball park
Happy New Year all, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at December 31, 2006 08:09 PM