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| The
shakuhachi is a Japanese, end-blown, bamboo flute, and probably
originated in Egypt, through China a thousand or more years ago.
It is now all over the world, and ranks as one of the most difficult
instruments to play (over 2-1/2 octaves with only 5 holes... 4 front,
1 back). It is not uncommon to spend 5 or more years on the instrument
and still not know if your specific shakuhachi is capable of progressing
along with you. It has a tremendous history, including being the
primary instrument (and occasional "weapon") of wandering
Komuso Priests / former Samurai warriors. The flute shown to the
left is an actual 200+ year old Samurai shakuhachi. The Sound: Warm and woody to sweet and pure; intense dynamics, dramatic, breathy pitch bends, piercing attacks, and long, pure, round, mesmerizing notes that can transcend the player holding it and those hearing it. On the exterior, you hold an extremely organic, random growth, that spoke to the maker on how its "afterlife" was to be formed, through meticulous shaping, sanding, and in some cases, lacquer finishing. It can be a creation of great beauty. On the interior, to sight down the bore of a quality "Jiari" flute (built-up Ji paste and urushi lacquer), polished to a glasslike finish, is a mind-blowing adventure. The sound of a Jiari flute can be many things: round, pure, free, structured, open, powerful, soft, penetrating, delicate. Somewhat less uniform in appearance is the "Jinashi" bore (natural form, little or no Ji paste, urushi lacquer finish). In most cases, the shaved fushi, or nodes, can still be seen beneath the lacquer. The sound of a Jinashi flute may contain some or all of the above, yet the bamboo is somewhat more present. The shakuhachi provides an amazing gateway, through deep breathing, lack of thought yet great focus, sound, vibration, and very often, extreme humility. |
