« Shakuhachi Root Extreme Makeover | Main | Taimu Duet »
May 25, 2007
YUNG Model Shakuhachi
Hi all, I've been on the last leg of an amazing journey with a batch of YUNG Model 1.8s. I work in batches because that helps me figure out problems quickly. If a problem appears, I can check the other flutes to find the difference since they are all in the same stage.
It's been a little over a year so it's past my promised delivery time. I apologize to those who have waited. In the case of a high quality shakuhachi made in a traditional manner, time is what it takes. Many experienced players agree that some of the finest shakuhachi flutes are older instruments. It's because each one was hand made until it was time to leave the hands of the master to the student. They were not made for commercial consumption. It is with respect to this tradition that I take my time to hand craft each instrument to that my flutes not only represent the traditional Japanese culture, but honor it's rich legacy.
Here's a recent feedback from someone who waited about a year for their Yung Model shakuhachi flute.
"Hi Perry, I just wanted to drop you a note. the 1.8 you made for me just arrived. This was well worth the year long wait. Thanks for taking the time to do things right. The flute is a work of art. To my eye, it has that perfect wabi sabi quality so many traditional Japanese artists strive for. I can already tell that this shakuhachi is going to be a life long companion. Thanks again and I hope that your other customers understand that good things can't be rushed and when they hear that there may be a year long wait, it is worth it in the end.
John Vetterli
Here is a shakuhachi finished this week. It had just been taken out of my humid box where teh urushi lacquer had been curing. Since I had a friend break out in the urushi rash, I decided to try a precaution. Here, I am wiping down the flute with CORTAID Poison Ivy Removal Wipes (available at CVS). The idea is to wipe off the urushiol oils that may affect the new owner.
The holes can lead to a rash on the fingers so the entire flute is wiped clean.
wiping the bell opening.
Here is an important area. The sensitive player usually gets the famous crescent shape rash on the lower lip.
Ready for my hanko.
A little #0000 Super Fine steel wool removes the oils.
All Yung Models are two signature flutes.
I've been making my Nakastuki joint wraps in the older style but with a modern effect. Old flute had the joints completely lacquer and over time, wear on the joint gave them a weather worn look. I painted three coats of urushi and hand rubbed each layer in until the entire wrap had an even sheen.
A Sogawa style inlay in Water Buffalo Horn to honor my shakuhachi making Sensei. Yung Models flutes are made to the specs given to me from Kinya. He got these from the famous workshop of Chikusen Tamai where he apprenticed along with the top shakuhachi makers of the world.
Smooth rounded back for hours of comfort.
This flute was actually 1cm longer than a 1.8 but I wanted to keep the root intact so I opened up the bottom hole.
This sharpens the pitch. Many old flutes have the bottom opened to tune to modern A=440 (that a discussion is for another entry). But, This one was purposely made with a wide opening to adjust for pitch.
The finished flute.
My flutes go all over the world into the hands of normal people and professional musicians. Hear the sound file below and guess where this one is going to.
Hear this YUNG Model 1.8.
Posted by Perry Yung at May 25, 2007 10:08 AM
Comments
Its going to Hawaii, right?
Just kidding, sounds great. And thus 'Irish Honkyoku' was born.
Go raibh maith agat!
H.
Posted by: Harry at May 27, 2007 12:45 PM