Kuniyoshi (1797-1861)

 

Shakuhachi Tools
&
Tips

&


SOUND & ACOUSTICS

How to Produce a Sound on the Shakuhachi

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 instruments.

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 Windows platform only.

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

Producing a Sound on the Shakuhachi Flute

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


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

Utaguchi Cover Selection

How to Measure Shakuhachi for an Utaguchi Cover

Binding to Repair Cracks in Bamboo

How to Tie a Removable Knot on your Tsuyutoshi

Acoustic Instruments & Winter Care
Scott Zimmerman, a string player living in Japan, offers some tips on instrument care that also apply to shakuhachi.
Wintertime is when the bamboo is most prone to cracking.


LEGAL

It may not be in the Constitution, but you have

The Right to Carry Your Shakuhachi on an Airplane

U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Final Rule Regarding Air Travel with Musical Instruments

The U.S. Department of Transportation issued a final rule to implement section 403 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, which requires that U.S. airlines accept musical instruments as carry-on or checked baggage on commercial passenger flights, provided that certain conditions are met.
    
“At DOT, we know how important instruments are to musicians and are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that they are not damaged while being transported on airlines,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “This final rule implements the statute, and it will go a long way towards keeping instruments safe when they fly – from allowing them in the cabin if there’s space for safe stowage, to letting passengers buy a seat for certain large instruments.”

The rule requires that each U.S. carrier subject to this regulation allow a passenger to carry into the cabin and stow a small musical instrument, such as a violin or a guitar, in a suitable baggage compartment, such as the overhead bin or a closet, or under the seats, in accordance with FAA safety regulations and the carrier’s FAA-approved carry-on baggage program. 

Carriers must allow passengers to stow their small musical instruments in an approved stowage area in the cabin if at the time the passenger boards the aircraft such stowage space is available.  Under the rule, musical instruments as carry-on items are treated no differently from other carry-on items and the stowage space should be made available for all carry-on items on a “first come, first served” basis.  Carriers are not required to give musical instruments priority over other carry-on baggage, therefore passengers traveling with musical instruments may want to buy the pre-boarding option offered by many carriers to ensure that space will be available for them to safely stow their instruments in the cabin. 

For some musical instruments that are too large to fit in the cabin stowage areas described in the carrier’s FAA-approved carry-on baggage program (e.g., an overhead bin or under a seat), it is sometimes possible to secure them to a seat as “seat baggage” or “cargo in passenger cabin.”  Carriers are required to carry large musical instruments in the cabin if the passenger wishing to carry the instrument in the aircraft cabin has purchased an additional seat to accommodate the instrument and the instrument is contained in a case or cover to avoid injury to other passengers, the weight of the instrument does not exceed 165 pounds or applicable weight restrictions for the aircraft, and the instrument can be stowed in accordance with the requirements for carriage of carry-on baggage or cargo established by the FAA.  Carriers are not required to provide for this process in their carry-on baggage programs; however the Department encourages carriers that do not currently allow such stowage to amend their programs to allow it, provided that all safety requirements are met. 

Carriers are required to accept musical instruments in the cargo compartment as checked baggage if those instruments comply with the size and weight limitations provided in Section 403 and the FAA’s safety regulations. 
The final rule applies to scheduled and charter flights in domestic or international transportation operated by U.S. carriers, regardless of the size of the aircraft they operate.  The rule also applies to persons not directly involved in the operation of an aircraft who sell air transportation services to the general public other than as an authorized agent of a carrier.


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