Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I'm trying to get into Kan register, and I seem to have problems getting it consistently. I'm using the flutes I made (which have been tested by a better player than I), along with my Yuu, and, while I can get up there, it's not consistent, and the sound overall is pretty weak. It's also considerably louder than I'd like to blow.

I know there's some technique to help get you up there, but I can't quite figure it out as yet. I don't think it's blowing harder that'll do it, but none of my lips shapes seem to help much, either. I can get into just about Ki-Re before it breaks down, but it's also too loud. When I do an Keri or Meri it also starts to break down. I'd like to say it's my flutes, but I think that they've got to be better than that, and that it's probably more me, since I'm relatively new at playing. When the notes do come forth correctly, it's nice, but it doesn't last.

Hopefully I'll have a job soon and can afford lessons; in the meantime, and advice would be helpful.

-Eddie