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August 03, 2008
Earth Shakuhachi and Student Shakuhachi
Hi all, I get a lot of emails asking the different between my Earth Model 1.8 and Student Model 1.8 instuments. The Earth model is an all natural flute designed for those who want to get a glimpse into the shakuhachi world on a natural bore instrument that has a more organic and bambooey sound. These are fine tuned but only to enhance the natural tonal qualities associated with a natural bamboo shakuhachi. The Student model is made with Ji plaster added to the bore and sealed ed with Japanese Urushi lacquer. It is fine tuned to play the music as understood by todays professional players. It plays with focus, power and accuracy in pitch and tone color therefore making it perfect for traditional lessons with a teacher. The Student model is the one on top with a black interior.
The SM has a Kinko Style Horn inlay to preserve the sharpness on the blowing edge.
The holes are fine tune both inside and out for proper contemporary tuning and faster playing action across both octaves.
The bottom end of the bore flares out a bit like a trumpet as the plaster thins out. This helps project the volume when performing.
There are lots of different kinds of shakuhachi. Some are made for Zen meditative playing and can not take the technical demands of traditional Japanese shakuhachi repertoire as practiced by contemporary professional players. My Student models start at $300 and are made by commission only since they are in high demand. The wait is about two months for completion. My student models are made to the bore dimesions taken from Chikusen Tamai's work shop where my sensei Kinya Sogawa apprenticed. These instruments can handle all the demands of traditional shakuhachi music including all the advanced fingerings associated with Kinko, Myoan, Miean and Dokyoku style shakuhachi music. Please feel free to ask any questions what so ever. It would be an honor to direct you to the right flute for your needsNamaste, Perry
Posted by Perry Yung at August 3, 2008 11:02 PM