The propensity of
bamboo to split as it experiences changes in temperature and humidity
is an issue that has confronted shakuhachi players for centuries.
While bamboo is one of the world's strongest natural fibers along
the axis of its grain, it's unique cellular structure provides
little cohesion between those fibers. That, combined with bamboo's
columnular shape, sets up a situation in which its inner and outer
walls swell and contract at differing coefficients of expansion,
sometimes causing the culm to split.
Shakuhachi taken from
the relatively stable, humid atmosphere of Japan to the wide variety
of climactic conditions found in North America, Europe and Australia
are particularly vulnerable. Bamboos are not especially happy
in the dry hot (and cold) conditions found at high altitudes nor
in urban environments controlled by central heating and air conditioning.
While the precision
cast bore technology along with research and experiments I have
conducted in stabilization of bamboo have done much to inhibit
cracking, only the time-tested method of tightly binding the flute
will insure against this possibility. Tai Hei Shakuhachi is the
only instrument of its kind to offer a lifetime
guarantee against splitting if bound at the time of purchase.
Objections to binding
are usually based on aesthetic considerations, some folks preferring
the natural beauty of the bamboo to be uninterrupted by obtrusive
black bands. A few players do not like the feel of the bindings,
sitting above the level of the bamboo surface, on their fingers.
These objections are most often overcome with practical considerations
and the proven effectiveness of binding to protect again splitting.
Tai Hei Shakuhachi
offers three options for binding all of which qualify the instrument
for the lifetime guarantee:
1. STANDARD BINDING
Al ow-cost, effective
way to protect the shakuhachi against cracking. High-tensile,
small diameter woven binding is evenly placed at nine or ten critical
locations along the length of the flute. [OP-1]
2. INLAID BINDING
Standard Binding that
is recessed in shallow grooves cut into the bamboo. The binding
does not protrude past the outside surface of the bamboo providing
a smooth, clean feel for the player. [OP-2]
3. TRADITIONAL RATTAN BINDING
This is the classical
method used by traditional makers in Japan. A deep channel is
first chiseled in the bamboo. Binding is tightly wrapped inside
this groove which is then glued and carefully filled to within
a fraction of a millimeter from the surface of the bamboo. This
space is inlaid with finely-split rattan evenly to the outside
of the instrument. The visual effect of the rattan is quite beautiful
and the deep inlaid binding provides added tensile strength to
counteract any movement of the bamboo. [OP-3]
LACQUERED
BINDING
Standard and Inlaid
Bindings are now available in two colors in addition to black.
Light Brown to simulate the color of rattan.
[OP-1a and OP2-a]
Reddish Brown to simulate the color of Japanese
urushi. [OP-1b and OP2-b]
Options for Binding
LACQUERED
BINDING
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