Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

jaybeemusic wrote:

...I've got a bunch of different "calculations" for normal sized flutes.....but......they don't seem to work at all for
big bore flutes....   

I know there's gotta be some kind of logic/formula that people follow.....

thanks

Jacques

Hi Jaybeemusic,

The way I approach Jinashi hole placement is based on an old method of division by 10 (I think it's called Division by Ten in Japanese). All things being equal  (aspect ratio, proper blowing), I think using this method will work on most pieces of bamboo.

1) Measure the entire length of the bamboo and divide by 10 (54.5cm = 5.45cm).
2) Hole #1 is drilled 2/10ths from the bottom (10.9cm).
3) Hole #2 - 1/10 from hole #1 (center to center)
4) Hole #3 - 1/10 from #2 for a very small hole or minus 1cm for standard sized hole otherwise you will get the famous sharp Chi.
5) Hole #4 - 1/10 or add 1cm (or slightly more) if #3 was drilled lower 1cm.
6) Hole #5 - 1/20th

This works for me but I make adjustments as I go along depending upon the pitch of #1. This formula works well for me when drilling short flutes. As the length gets longer, I add 1cm to the placement of the first 2/10ths measurement. On a 2.0 to 2.4, I would add 1 - 1.5cm to the first hole before I drill it. Longer than 2.4, I may add even more. Everything else stays the same. Since each piece of bamboo is different and the natural bore is utilized in jinashi making, I adjust each hole as I go along.

You may have to make a few flutes before you understand what is going on.  The size of your tone holes and embouchure technique affects hole placement.

I like holes that are 11.5cm or bigger on Choukan, bass Jinashi flutes.

Please let me know if this is not clear.

Good luck, Perry

jumbuk wrote:

Yungflutes wrote:

... I like holes that are 11.5cm or bigger on Choukan, bass Jinashi flutes.

Wow! Is that diameter or circumference?

Oops, I meant 1.15cm.
best, Perry