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.

One of the most difficult things to do is getting the lines evenly cut before the channel made..

Then a bamboo saw cuts on the line and a chisel and hammer removes the material.

I didn’t finish all the required bindings as I had to take the kids to the dentist. But, it’s a good thing as my concentration was waning. It’s not good to have tired hands and eyes cutting into someone flute!

It turned out that Sasa had two cavities that needed to be filled and as I sat there watching the dentist use the dremel under the light, I had a moment of Deja vu. Wasn’t I just in my workshop, under a bright lamp with tools in my hand?!

As it was happening, I was very relieved and happy to see that our dentist was very careful with my precious little one. The dentist was extremely skillful and obviously had experience with children. When my partner and I were searching for a family dentist, we made sure that the one we choose would have not only the required credentials, but an excellent record for quality care. Sasa skipped exuberantly out of the office with a new toothbrush in her hand. This is the kind of feeling I hope people experience when they get their flutes back.

That’s all for today, but please remember to floss…I mean, store your flutes properly after every playing session.

Namaste- Perry