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December 15, 2006
Recontructive Surgery on Utaguchi
This old Myoan went through a devestating experience of being "defiled". Someone openned up to top way too much.
I'm guessing that the culprit desired a louder and more responsive flute. When put it up to my lips, I could feel that the flute was missing a core, a soul if you will. It didn't sound like a Myoan shakuhachi.

So here I face a difficult task of reconstructing the top. I start by slowly building up the filed area with my mixture of bamboo dust and CA glue.

It can get quite messy.

After it's driend, I dand it with a sandpaper wrapped around a dowel. Much more control than a dremel.

The front is slowly taken down flush with a fine flat file.

Even though I haven't begun to hone the angles, It has has begun showing signs of life.

Next, i await delivery of the favorite Myoan music of the owner so I can fine tuning with that particulr sound in mind.
I know what you're thinking. Much of the the flute's sound is based on the player's ability. Yes, I love learning different techniques from listening to the masters. It brings me back to the days when I used to slow down lead guitar riffs on my turntable in order to learn them. The shakuhachi is, of course much more difficult than an electric guitar.
But do stay tuned!
Namaste, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at December 15, 2006 10:49 PM
Comments
Dear Perry......I was wondering if this is the same flute that I just purchased. I thought perhaps not. If it isn't the same do you have the 'story' of the repair that you did on mine? The pages about the repair are quite fascinating and very revealing of the work of a true craftsman. PD
Posted by: Philip DeGenova at January 8, 2007 02:50 PM