Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

My first was a "Middle Eastern" shakuhachi, and it cost less than $20.  I would only recommend it if you have no idea if you want to pursue it or not.  If you think your interest may (or may not) fade after a few weeks, it is best to spend as little money as possible, and this is a significant savings in comparison to the Yuu.  And, yes I can say from experience that they are "real" shakuhachi.  Very Jinashi though, no inlay or laquer at all, rather small holes, and kind of difficult to play, but that will pay off when you get a better one later.  The 1.8 is the "DD" model.  After a few weeks you will want to get a better one though, at least I did.

If you are sure that this is something you want to pursue, I might even forego the Yuu and invest a few more dollars and get one of Perry Yung's Earth models, or even better.  Nothing against the Yuu.  I have one and enjoy the "go anywhere" aspect of it, but you will enjoy a bamboo flute even more.