World Shakuhachi Discussion / Go to Live Shakuhachi Chat
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Just wanted to say Hi to everyone. I've got questions, of course, but I'll save those for the appropriate forums.
My first introduction to shakuhachi started about 2 years ago at the Kansas City Ren Faire. A maker had a booth with a number of other handmade instruments, mostly woodwind. I am a bit of a Japanophile and was instantly attracted to the instrument, even though I had no idea what it sounded like, and I am not a musician. The next year, on the next trip, I bought it.
It took me about 45 minutes and a lot of wind to get a tone out of it in the car on the drive home. I've been playing with it ever since, just making noise. I can play the second octave, until of course I refine my embochure, then I have to relearn everything again. I have just bought a 1.9 from the same maker. I personally have no way to judge quality of instrument, but since I don't know the difference, I'm not worried, as long as I have something to play. I love my Shakuhachi.
Now, I want to start studying, instead of puttering around.
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Welcome. Good luck finding a teacher lonlaz. They will answer your questions and fill your head with 10,000 more
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I'm by no means an expert but I've found that what I can play well on the instrument I've become used to (a high-end 2.8 by Perry Yung), I can't play on other flutes. Though I have no experience trying more expensive flutes, I imagine that the limitations in quality of the inferior instruments plays a bigger role than simply what one is used to. If you can find a teacher (or experienced player) locally, (s)he would be an excellent judge of your flute's quality. The key, of course, is practice Congraulations on your healthy addiction!
Zak
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Well, did a little searching around, and it seems that a couple of posters have bought "Shakuhachi" from the same maker. I used quotes because, I believe that here they are referred to Folk Shakuhachi. They are not made of root-end bamboo. They may or may not be tuned well.. but I do not have the ear to judge that. Also, I don't have any way to judge if they are capable of playing shakuhachi pieces. I do like them, though, and don't regret the purchases.
It looks like I'll have to get some online lessons, but I haven't decided if I'm going to buy a Yuu first.
Thanks for the welcome!
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