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Chinese Rootend Shakuhachi
Mujitsu
Chinese root shakuhachi are relatively inexpensive flutes which have a
smooth, rich tone. These are completely natural and unadorned bamboo
shakuhachi. They are made entirely by subtraction under the philosophy
of maintaining the integrity of the material while following the path
of least resistance. Many jinashi shakuhachi teachers use Mujitsu
Chinese Rootend Shakuhachi for their students. Root bamboo has a naturally tapered bore which gives the flute back pressure. This allows for greater depth of tone than straight bore flutes.
This flute making approach is designed to attain the best possible sound quality and playability at the lowest possible price. I find it an interesting and demanding challenge searching for this compromise. Much of my experience with professional grade madake shakuhachi go into these flutes. I enjoy making these as an alternative to
my
higher end shakuahchi. I'm pleased with their quality as well as with
customer feedback. It is ideal for beginners or experienced players who
desire a mechanically sound, meditative/solo level flute for a
relatively low price.Click on video of a Chinese root shakuhach in the key of C#
All Chinese root shakuhachi are cut to their natural length and well tuned to themselves.
Standard Quality Chinese Root Shakuhachi
Small 1.3 to1.7 (approx. 16" to 20")
$150
Medium 1.8 to 2.0 (approx. 21" to 25")
$175
Large 2.1 to 2.3 (approx. 26" to 30")
$200
Shipping in US $10
(This shipping amount is already included on the PayPal "Buy Now" links. If you are outside the US, please contact me for your shipping rate)
emptyflute@mujitsu.com
Higher Quality Chinese Root Shakuhachi
Prices usually range from $250 to $500 depending on bamboo quality, playability, application of urushi, etc. These are excellent values considering their quality. Please contact me for availability.
Top - 1.9 Chinese root. Very nice player. $275 SOLD
Middle - 1.9 Chinese root. $225 SOLD
Bottom - 2.0 Chinese root. $200
High Quality Root and Near root, tapered bore shakuhachi -Bargain prices.
1.7 in D. $150
Lightweight, non root piece tuned well to D. Nice alternative to a 1.8 Bauhaus
shakuhachi. Warmer jinashi sound. Easy player. Great for Minyo.
2.0 in B. $350 SOLD
Japanese madake piece. (Two years old) Wide bore, well tuned to B instead of
the conventional 2.0 key of C. Breathy, warm, rich tone. Quick attack. Lacquered
with urushi inside and out.
1 - 1.6 E@A=436. Thick, dense, sweet tone. $175 SOLD
2 - 1.7 D@A=436. Powerful, resonant. $175
3 - 1.8 C#/D. Velvety playability. $200 SOLD
4 - 2.15 B. Smooth and resonant. Repaired small crack between holes 2 to 4. Reduced price. $100 SOLD
Please contact me if you are interested in one of these flutes.
Video of flutes 1-4
| Other Shakuhachi Bauhaus Shakuhachi (PVC Plastic)  Plastic
PVC shakuhachi is an economical alternative to a traditional madake
bamboo shakuhachi. Sold at a fraction of the cost, these flutes play
surprisingly well with a clear, bright and confident tone. There are a
number of teachers who use plastic shakuhachi for their students
because of their low price and playability. They are also waterproof
and virtually indestructable. Each flute is cleaned, polished and
accurately tuned (A=440). The blowing end head is shaped for comfort
and the finger holes are beveled for fluid playing and second register
ease. 1.8 (D) $50 plus $8 shipping in US (Please contact me for shipping rate outside the US)  Interested
in making your own 1.8 PVC shakuhachi? Try these specs.
NEW
for Travel:
Three Piece, 5 in 1 Bauhaus Shakuhachi $150 Interchangeable mid sections produce 5 keys: 1.7 D#, 1.8 D, 1.9 C#, 2.0 C, 2.1 B. (3/4" bore)  2.4 Bauhaus
Shakuhachi in A
2.4 (A) $75 plus $10 shipping in US (Please contact me for shipping rate outside the US) |
NEW for Travel:
Three piece, 4 in 1 ZenTube Shakuhachi $210
Interchangeable midsections produce 4 keys:
2.3 Bb, 2.4 A, 2.5 Ab, 2.6 G. (1" bore)
1.8 bamboo shakuhachi shown for size comparison.
The ZenTube Shakuhachi developed through collaboration with shakuhachi player and teacher Brian Tairaku Ritchie. Read Brian's story and review below:
"My bags were confiscated by the TSA when traveling in the States and I had to worry about my long nobe flutes for a week until I got them back. This led me to ask Ken LaCosse to come up with a set of travel long flutes based on the concept of interchangeable mid-sections joined to a mouthpiece and a "root end". We can take our 1.8's on the plane with us but not nobe 2.7's as they fit into the same category as baseball or cricket bats. I am very happy with the result. I already like plastic and wood flutes, and this is very useful. The Bb, A, Ab lengths are useful to me for any kind of playing. G length gets a bit raw due to aspect ratio but for travel honkyoku playing it's OK. I have been using them on gigs and people are amazed by the design and quality of the sound, considering the material used." -Brian Tairaku Ritchie
Includes $12 shipping within the US. Please contact me for shipping rate if you are outside the US.
Ken LaCosse 415 242-0919 email