Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

jaybeemusic wrote:

i've been doing some research and i've been noticing that  the area between hole #1 (from bottom) and hole #3 is "REALLY" important to have a well balanced flute.  I've had to add material there on several of my flutes (after some careful deduction) to bring a few notes into line...and i wonder if any other makers have had the same experience.   

I've also noticed that the top 10cm  (of a 1.8) can REALLY affect the tone of a flute.   a smaller top opening really brightens the tone.... i know that everything is connected but these two things have sort of jumped out at me and i'd like to hear from some of the pros....(perry or ken...... i know you're out there!!!)   

am i waaaay off base or what....

thanks

jacques

Bingo! It depends on the bamboo you are using (I'm assuming you are making jinashi shakuahchi?) but those can be hot spots. I've had some flutes that have dramatically improved by adding a little bit between holes one and three and subtracting a bit form the top end about 4 cm in or so. Sometimes this alone can bring the tone of the whole flute alive or at least improve the depth of tone. The top opening also influences the attack. As you know, a lot of these things are easier said than done, but when it works if can be exciting! Way to go Jacques!

Ken