This is a 1.9 length shakuhachi, tuned in C#, by the maker Shougetsu (松月). It has a kinko-style utaguchi made from animal horn, a rattan-bound nakatsugi joint, and plays well and in tune throughout. The sound is warm and mellow, a little more introvert than the brighter, more modern jiari instruments, and it's a joy to hold and play.

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PRICE

MEASUREMENTS

Length	57.5cm
Weight	354g
Bell outer diameter	53mm
Bell inner diameter	18.5mm
Utaguchi outer diameter	37mm
Utaguchi inner diameter	20mm
Fingerhole size (avg)	11mm

PHOTOGRAPHS

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DESCRIPTION

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

This is a jiari shakuhachi, lacquered with black urushi on the inside, in two parts. It's cut from a gorgeous piece of madake bamboo, with beautiful speckled, mottled patterns near the root end and a vivid, uniform colour on the top half. The root end has all its nodes intact and polished to a lovely finish. It's a joy to hold and play.

The nakatsugi joint is bound with rattan; it's snug and easy to separate, but not loose.

There are no bindings and no signs of repair. There is one hairline crack on the surface of the bamboo above the second finger hole, but it has been stable for years and has never penetrated deeper into the bamboo. The inner bore is in great condition with no cracks.

It's light and easy to hold, with a kinko-style utaguchi made from animal horn. Preventative bindings can be added on request for a small extra cost.

A black leather utaguchi cover is included, and the shakuhachi will be wrapped in a thick polyester bag for moisture control. If you'd like a cotton bag as well, get in touch for details on what's currently available.

SOUND

This shakuhachi is tuned in C# at 442Hz, but can play at 440Hz by adjusting the embouchure. It plays well in tune and is very responsive, with a rich, warm, round sound that suits honkyoku and min'yo playing well. The otsu register and otsu-no-ro aren't as bright as some more modern jiari instruments, but it's well balanced in itself, and that's more a matter of character than a weakness; it isn't trying to be something it isn't.

It plays loud and clear, though you won't get the trumpeting ro of some other master makers or modern shakuhachi. Every note comes comfortably and easily. The bottom two registers are very easy to play, and it comfortably reaches the lower half of the dai-kan register.

SHIPPING

I package instruments very carefully and ship within 2 to 3 working days using UPS International or an equivalent service, tracked and insured against damage or loss for the full value of your purchase.

I'll need your delivery address to calculate shipping costs accurately. Roughly, the rates are:

• Within the UK: £15
• Within the EU: £30
• Worldwide (most places outside the EU): £50

Once we've agreed a sale, I'll send a secure online invoice payable by debit or credit card or bank transfer. A PayPal payment link is also possible, though this carries a small additional charge (1.5% of the total price) to cover PayPal's transaction fees.

The shakuhachi ships from London, UK. If your country has a customs agreement with the UK, you may need to pay import charges on arrival; I have no control over these, but you can get an estimate from a calculator such as simplyduty.com. I'll provide all the paperwork needed to keep this process smooth. Collection from London, or at an event, is also possible.

I've shipped shakuhachi internationally since 2018.

RETURNS

Returns are accepted within 14 days of purchase. The buyer pays for return shipping, which must be tracked and insured against damage or loss. Once the shakuhachi is received back in the same condition it was sent, the refund is processed to the original payment method.

QUESTIONS

My hope is to match you with the right instrument, not simply to make a sale. If you'd like specific measurements, a recording of a particular fingering or style, or more detailed photographs, get in touch.

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