Shakuhachi by Perry Yung: April 2007 Archives

« March 2007 | Main | May 2007 »

April 27, 2007

Old style Nakastuki Joint

Today, I am starting the work on the Nakatsuki joint of a YUNG Model 1.8.

I am modeling this one after the old Myoan and Kinko style flutes that has just the rattan wrap. No metal or plastic. Over the next two weeks, I will be apply thin layers of urushi with rubbing and polishing between layers to give it an entirely smooth surface yet individual strands will emerge frmm the translucent depths of the urushi. It's going to be a nice effect that echos the fine craftsmanship of the old timers, whom I have much respect for.

I'll also be fine tuning this flute for completion, hopefully in two weeks.
Stay tuned (ouch!).
Namaste, Perry

Posted by Perry Yung at 03:57 PM | Comments (0)

April 26, 2007

Moving Finger Holes on a Shakuhachi

Hi All,

Another fun repair recently. Well, all repairs are fun. some are just funner than others.

Sometimes a shakuhachi may not fit the owner. In this case, the flute was originally too long for a previous owner so he had Hole #1 moved up. The new owner wanted me to restore to the original position.

After the plug was inserted.

Next, I opened up the original hole, which was plugged by the previous owner with bamboo dust and CA glue. He did a fine, clean job.

A safety precaution so as not to disturb the bore with a rude drill mark.

Choosing the right bit.

Careful work must be done so that the original finger hole is not compromised in any way. Every little thing affects tone.

So far, so good.

A bare hole can collect dust and finger oils easier.

I coated the edge with non allergenic lacquer as the new owner is sensitive to Japanese Urushi lacquer. This way, the walls would be are easier to clean

Can you guess who makes finger holes this large?

The new owner discovered a bigger Dai Tsu no Meri.
Fun times indeed!

Namaste, Perry

Posted by Perry Yung at 12:20 PM | Comments (3)

April 18, 2007

Insane Shakuhachi Month

Hi All, It gets crazier! Things are always a bit hectic around here with two toddlers, a wife in grad school and shakuhachi work. Thsi month started out hectic but it's just a little out of control now. I had a record amount of repairs coming. Most of them are cracked flutes that needed bindings but some were out of the ordinary with moved plugged holes and two antique Komuso monk flutes that needed a bit of work on the utaguchi and tuning.

The finger holes also needed reworking as they were slightly out of tune. Not much, but just enough to thwart those who want to play music.
Before

After

The Old Utaguchi.

The inlays.

These two came from eBay purchases. The owner got a deal but be aware that old flutes usually need some work. I'll be glad to evaluate them for no charge. Just send your flute to me at: