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Chinese Root/Non-root Shakuhachi
Mujitsu
Chinese root and non-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 these for
their students. The bamboo has a naturally tapered bore which gives the flute back pressure. This allows for greater depth of tone than cylindrical 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 bamboo shakuhach in the key of C#
All Chinese bamboo shakuhachi are cut to their natural length and well tuned to themselves.
| 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.   Bauhaus 1.8 (D) Interested in making your own 1.8 PVC shakuhachi? Try these specs. NEW
for Travel:
Three Piece, 5 in 1 Bauhaus Shakuhachi 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
 Same
quality as the 1.8 model but longer and wider. There is also
an iki kaeshi ring inserted at the top end of the flute. This
creats a smaller end opening that makes the flute more
easily played. The default
hole allignment is offset for "right hand bottom" players. (Seen in
photo) Please specify if you would like inline holes or offset holes
for "left hand bottom" players. |
NEW for Travel:
Three piece, 4 in 1 ZenTube Shakuhachi
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
The default hole allignment is offset for "right hand bottom" players. (Seen in photo) Please specify if you would like inline holes or offset holes for "left hand bottom" players.
Ken LaCosse 415 242-0919 email