Shaku Utility Flute

Penetrate these two stories and you'll know flutes--they've driven our inquiry as to the nature of end-blown flutes. The stories allowed us to cut through persistent shakuhachi myths. Along the way, we devised our own Zen riddle--From whence does the flute sound come? And found that it comes not from the bamboo or the lacquer or the material aspects of a flute but from the shape of the void within the flute. Flute sounds come directly from the void.

Based on this knowledge and utilizing the precept of direct simplicity, we've designed and developed a new type of end-blown flute made of custom-extruded, custom-colored, custom-sized, high impact grade RPVC. It's crack proof, waterproof, scratch resistant, dent proof and has excellent acoustical qualities created by careful attention to the inner geometry. This is the flute to serve you in your pursuit rather than the other way round. Do you spend your time defending your flutes from the elements/extremes? This resilient flute is well able to take care of itself and allow you to keep your mind on what's important. Durability matched with playability makes the Utility Flute a suitable tool to serve your quest. Arising from Shinto/Taoist sensibilities, the Utility Flute is intended for use out-of-doors and close to nature; with five holes it has a minor pentatonic scale. All flutes are handmade, one at a time.

There are three ways to order a Utility Flute--by Note, Length or Equivalent Aspect Ratio. The graph below ties all three together.

1) The Utility Flute is made in the standard keys of Eb, D, C#, C, B.
2) It can also be made in any length between 485 and 660mm.
3) Or you can specify any EAR between 26 and 34. (Using a EAR of 30 as the median, numbers above 30 result in a brighter timbre with darker below)

The Utility flute comes with either an overcut or undercut edge. The overcut is a little more conducive to pitch bending (meri/kari) and the undercut is more stable in outdoor air conditions and/or movement while playing. If you're really into pitch bending, there's a radical overcut which will allow bending up to two full notes. So, the three utaguchi choices: Radical Overcut, Standard Overcut or Standard Undercut.

Customer feedback:

•• By the way, your site is magnificent. It is very informative, easy to read, and through. I have never seen such detailed study of the theory, physics, and playing of any other musical instrument. The love and attention that went into the production of this site makes you a NATIONAL TREASURE of our country. I am fascinated just how much I know about the Shakuhachi flute after reading through your site.

•• Thanks for making & sending my 2.0 so quickly. I love it!

•• I have been playing shakuhachi for thirty years with flutes from two well-known makers. The sound and playability of your Bflat flute is definitely superior. I will be ordering another one soon.

•• It has a VERY nice weight and balance, and that the detail work is very refined! My expectations were very much exceeded! Makes me wish I knew more people that were trying to learn to play, so I could recommend that they buy from you!

•• Got it, sounds great, bombproof, and a real value.

•• Great work man! I've been playing everyday since it arrived and either I'm a reincarnated shaku master, or you have built an remarkably playable intrument.

•• I received my 2.4 in the mail Thursday. Wow! you hit this one out of the park! it sounds great and is as easy to play as my 1.8. thanks for the good job. (and i even like the color)

•• I am enjoying playing the other flutes you sent me. They are very easy to play and have a beautiful sound.

•• The information you published on the shakuhachi influenced my playing, since knowing more about how it works gives more interesting choices about what to do at the level of interacting with the shakuhachi physically.

•• The flute arrived today. I am really pleased with the timbre. This is a fine instrument.

•• I have been playing the D Utility Shakuhachi that you sent me all day. It is so much easier to play than my standard shakuhachi.

•• I've already sent one praising email for the flute, but... I wanted to send another. I'm really pleased with the tone color...I love the sound of this flute...and it's incredibly easy to play.

•• I've been practicing on the flute you recently sent and I'm really enjoying it. Really nice sound and feel. I think I also want to order a Bb.

•• Flute arrived today. Very nice. Had only a few minutes to try it, but was impressed by the clarity of the sound and the ease of play. Thanks again for the fast service.

•• I just blew through my beginner lessons on it, and I like it a lot. The overall tone strikes me as "reedy"; that is, like a reed or cane flute. Light, rather than dark, but not at all over-bright or shrill. The tone color seems especially constant across the registers. With other flutes, I've noticed the middle "ro" sounds covered - too much of the lower harmonics, I guess. On the utility flute, it sounds nice and open. The meris seem very distinct, I feel like I definitely know when I'm hitting it just right (I'm a beginner, remember).

•• Thanks again for your *remarkably fast* service and your patience with all my questions.

•• Well, hearing that your flute is made of PVC turned me off, then I looked at the Bamboo flute prices and your PVC is looking pretty good.

•• I'm pleased to report that your shakuhachi is easier to play than what I've been attempting to learn on, the changed shape at the top does indeed make a difference.

•• My complements on your in-depth research of this intriguing instrument.

•• What a fantastic service you have created for those of us interested in the physical and acoustic aspects of the shakuhachi.

•• Thanks very much. Now anticipating utilitarian zen future.

All flutes are $95 and are shipped free within the USA. Foreign shipments will have the basic cost of shipping applied.

Once we have your flute specification, the color, blowing edge, a mailing address, and payment--your order will be made and shipped.