Today’s Auction Shakuhachi Repair.
David Wheeler asked if I could do some of my magic on a flute one of his students purchased on an auction. I was more than happy to look at it. Simple estimates can be made by photos but the flute’s playability can only be evaluated when it’s in my hands. This one is a Kinko flute originally started around the 1940s. The very interesting thing that caught my eye was that the joint was reversed, The tenon (male side) is on the top section. This flute played pretty well in pitch but none of the notes could take any air or resonate with any shakuhachi sound. In David’s words, “the voicing is terrible”. He was being generous. Well, The first thing I always do is check the internal dimensions with my bore gauges.
Newly Refurbished Myoan Shakuhachi
This old Myoan shakuhachi came in for minor cosmetic restoration. It was a fine playing old flute that just needed a little TLC. I originally estimated the work to be about three weeks due to urushi curing time But, it took longer than expected. Old flutes often look wonderful from the patina and aged dings, but when you start working cosmetically on one thing, another may beg for attention. It’s like working on a car. If you fix a dent, soon the bent bumper is gonna need work, then vinyl on top etc….it can go on and on.
Chipped Utaguchi replacement
A chipped utaguchi like this is not a problem for many players. The flute will work fine. However, for those who are very very aware of every nuance of their playing and instrument, fixing the chip will make a noticeable difference. I can sometimes fill and refurbish an existing inlay but this damage is right on the edge which means there is not enough meat for the filling to grab hold of. This one needs to be replaced.
Kumoi Jishi at the Brooklyn Museum
I had an amazing weekend exploring the city with the kids. Yesterday, we were in Brooklyn for a going away party (a long time friend is leaving for LA… Boo Hoo). The gathering was on Eastern Parkway just across from the magnificent Brooklyn Museum (and Japanese Garden) I was carrying a wooden shakuhachi around as I try to play as much as possible. It turned out that yesterday was quite eventful and I didn’t get a chance to play most of the day (not even on the subway platforms). But, when we exited and felt the amazing weather, we took the opportunity to soak up some of the rays before going indoors for the party. We saw an ice cream truck so the kids got to have a treat. As they ran in front of the museum, I found my moment to play. There were tons of kids screaming and yelling so the only piece found applicable to the moment was Kumoijishi (translated loosely as Lions in the Clouds). Soon after I began to play, I found a trail of children following me around. What a treat it is to have a captive audience! But, I also felt a little nostalgic as I used to visit and take lessons wtih Brian Tairaku Ritchie who lived just down the street.
It’s Monday, back to the work bench!
Shakuhachi Dentist tools
This Shinsui came in for repair last week. I made a YUNG Model Shakuhachi for the owner about four years ago but it was stolen out of his car. This one was purchased in Japan but was not stored properly. It pretty much needs an overhaul. It has a missing utaguchi, cracks on both sections and damaged Ji in the bore. This one is going to be in the shop for a while. The first thing that needs to be done is closing and stabilizing the cracks. Which actually inspired this blog entry. I recently received some questions from an aspiring shakuhachi maker about bindings. External cord bindings are relatively easy to do and anyone can learn how to do them within a few tries (but it still takes years to perfect). Rattan Inlays, however, are difficult. They are extremely time consuming and requires the skill of a surgeon. They should be practiced on pieces of bamboo first. Aside from skill, the repair person will need proper tools.
CHOUKAN Bass Shakuhachi
A few inquiries came in for Choukan so I thought I should just do one blog entry to answer all the emails. Here is what I presently have in long Choukan bass Sakuhachi.
From left to right:
1) 1.8 Hocchiku for length reference only. On commission - $800
2) 2.9 Chikusing, Chinese Madake, two-piece, F# - $2,800
3) 2.9 Hocchiku all natural. Wide bore F, Nobekan one piece, Chinese Madake - $1,100
4) SOLD 3.0 Chikuisng Standard bore F, Sogawa style Ivory (reclaimed) inlay. Japanese Urushi lacquer - $1,200.
5) 3.0 Chikusing wide bore E. Ivory Sogawa inlay, Urushi lacquer- $1,600
Shakuhachi Repairs Full House!
Every winter repairs flood the shop. Every winter there seems to be more and more flutes coming in. Every year seems to be a record year. I’m surprised that there are so many players in the USA! I get repairs from all over the world, Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan,... but most are domestic repairs. This is certainly a sign that the shakuhachi is spreading far and wide.
Shakuhachi in NYC Public Schools
I’ve done a lot of Lec/dems over the years in the NYC Public Schools system. They usually involve sharing a part of Asian culture through music and art. Yesterday I had the wonderful experience of sharing the rituals of a Chinese New Year celebration with a First Grade class at PS 165 in the Upper upper West Side of Manhattan (some call the neighborhood SOHA - South of Harlem). I demonstrated a proper bow to the ancestral alter, some lion dance, drumming and the giving of Red Envelopes that contain Lucky Money. I also took this opportunity to share the shakuhachi in part of the music discussion.