Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

 

Shakuhachi Tools

SHAKUHACHI CARE

Caring for your Shakuhachi Flute

The Flute Saver:
A Remarkable Breakthrough in Shakuhachi Care

Proper Procedure for Separating & Re-Joining Two-Piece Shakuhachi

Binding to Repair Cracks in Bamboo

How to Tie a Removable Knot on your Tsuyutoshi

Acoustic Instruments & Winter Care

Scott Zimmerman is a string player living in Japan. Has lots of good tips on instrument care that also apply to shakuhachi. Wintertime is when the bamboo is most prone to cracking.
SHAKUHACHI ACOUSTICS

Shakuhachi Pitch Chart

Shakuhachi Fingering Chart - Page 1
Shakuhachi Fingering Chart - Page 2

Shakuhachi Tuner & Sound Color Analyzer (Download Free)
The Shakuhachi Tuner & Sound Color Analyzer is a great bit of software that you can download free. While it was created specifically for shakuhachi makers, it can be configured for several other types of wind instrments.

This tool records sound from a microphone attached to your computer and graphs each component of frequency using the Fast Fourier Transform method. The tool also includes an audio tuner. It displays pitch on an analog meter and corresponding note-name including a finger chart of any desired length of flute. It is also convenient for notation conversion between the traditional Kinko and Tozan notation systems.

This software was developed for shakuhachi makers by Mr.Tastuaki Kuroda. Recently, he and Mr. Shigeo Tachibana worked together to create an English-language version which is enhanced for players as well as makers. Downloads are available for both Mac and Windows platforms.

Software includes:
-Sound color analyzer based on FFT with memory
-Multi poupose auto tuner
-Sound volume meter
-Fingering chart of Shakuhachi (Tozan style and Kinko style), Shinobue, Ocarina, Western flute
-Midi sound for tuning
-Available in English language or Japanese

Free Evaluation
If you are considering purchasing a new or second-hand instrument from an auction site or private seller, Tai Hei Shakuhachi offers a free evolution of the instrument including a complete analysis of its acoustic and aesthetic qualities.

TECHNIQUES & PERFORMANCE

Shakuhachi Tips by Kaoru Kakizakai

English translations of Kakizakai-sensei's articles by Zachary Braverman.

Amplifying Your Shakuhachi
(Isomax 2C - Recommended by John Kaizan Neptune)

Shakukana-Kinko Ryu Notation Software (Download Free)

LEGAL

It may not be in the Constitution, but you have the
Right to Carry a Shakuhachi
A letter from the Transportation Safety Administration granting musicians the right to carry any musical instrument in the cabin of any airplane, free of charge.
http://www.local1000.com/pdf/carryon.pdf

Too bad they didn't know about this in Portland, Maine.

Traveler's flute causes airport evacuation

Wednesday, January 14, 2004 Posted: 10:51 AM EST (1551 GMT)
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- A passenger's flute tucked inside a homemade container triggered the Portland International Jetport's evacuation Tuesday because screeners believed the package could be a bomb. The jetport, where two of the September 11 terrorists set off on their attack on the World Trade Center, was reopened in less than two hours. The passenger was allowed to board his flight after being questioned, but without his flute in the container made of plastic PVC pipe. Eight flights were affected and more than 300 passengers evacuated while bomb technicians investigated. Officials did not identify the flute-playing passenger, who they described as a New England businessman in his 40s and a frequent flyer, because he did nothing illegal. Portland Transportation Director Jeffrey Monroe said passengers should make sure their carry-on bags don't contain items that could raise a security alert. "There are a lot of unique things people travel with that do not seem problematic," he said. "When looked upon by a security officer, they may look suspicious."
http://www.cnn.com/2004/TRAVEL/01/14/airport.evacuatio.ap/index.html

For up to the minute policy of the TSA
Transporting Musical Instruments

American Federation of Musicians Carry-On Petition

AMF Statement
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