Shaku
Design
Mouthpieces

Updated 4/24/08

Part of the reason PVC shaks haven't met with wider acceptance is because of the standard coupling-mouthpiece. Mouthpieces made from pipe couplings work fine but they don't look so good. They don't tend to make you want pick up the flute and play it--something akin to contemplating kissing a toad. We'll try and rectify this by demonstrating how to fashion an integral mouthpiece from the end of the pipe. See below for molded polyurethane mouthpieces for both Shak and Didge--that odd duo.

Creating a Integral Shak Mouthpiece is pretty simple, you'll need a few tools and a Flaring Mandrel. The mandrel is the key and can be constructed from wood with a little patience and whittling ability.

Looking at these prototype Flaring Mandrels will give you the whole concept.

It's a dowel to fit inside the tube, with a radiused flare, set at the correct cut-off angle.

1) Just heat the rim-edge of the pipe with a heat-gun. Try and limit the heat to the portions you want deformed.

2) Insert the flaring mandrel, twist and press. Wait for the PVC to cool and set.

3) Fashion the blowing edge. Sandpaper around a short length of 3/4" PVC pipe will produce a suitable curve in the blowing edge.

4) Clean up the mouthpiece with files and sandpaper.

5) Smooth and polish with Acetone and you're done. That's it!

Removable mouthpieces.

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