Folded paper on the utaguchi
Folded paper on the utaguchi
There's a certain warm, soft, solid, wispless tone to some of the super-old, Edo era flutes I have played. Difficult to explain, but it's there.
Now, call me goofy, but I have found that folding a small piece of moistened paper over the utaguchi of a more modern/recent flute, especially the brighter ones, surprisingly gives a little bit of that old feel. To me, anyway. If anything, it's a quick and non-invasive way to mellow the personality of a flute, for a different kind of mood. The more folds, the mellower it gets, of course.
It's also a great way to quieten a flute a little, when the Mrs. is still asleep!
I.e.:
Now, call me goofy, but I have found that folding a small piece of moistened paper over the utaguchi of a more modern/recent flute, especially the brighter ones, surprisingly gives a little bit of that old feel. To me, anyway. If anything, it's a quick and non-invasive way to mellow the personality of a flute, for a different kind of mood. The more folds, the mellower it gets, of course.
It's also a great way to quieten a flute a little, when the Mrs. is still asleep!
I.e.:
Yeah! Who has a couple hundred years to wait for the bamboo to season correctly?
More likely, that superficial, monumental paper discovery came to me while looking for a tiny little piece of madake to make a pocket shakuhachi with, a la the Ryudo. What a neat little flute! Surprising how loud the little ones are--I have a 1.1 nobe that barks the dogs. Or, maybe it's just my playing? They can't say.
:/
More likely, that superficial, monumental paper discovery came to me while looking for a tiny little piece of madake to make a pocket shakuhachi with, a la the Ryudo. What a neat little flute! Surprising how loud the little ones are--I have a 1.1 nobe that barks the dogs. Or, maybe it's just my playing? They can't say.
:/
Re: Folded paper on the utaguchi
"Derek Choice""Derek Choice"There's a certain warm, soft, solid, wispless tone to some of the super-old, Edo era flutes I have played. Difficult to explain, but it's there.
Now, call me goofy, but I have found that folding a small piece of moistened paper over the utaguchi of a more modern/recent flute, especially the brighter ones, surprisingly gives a little bit of that old feel. To me, anyway. If anything, it's a quick and non-invasive way to mellow the personality of a flute, for a different kind of mood. The more folds, the mellower it gets, of course.
I guess it's not difficult to explain anymore !
Many old flutes have worn utaguchi blowing edges which causes a diffused, or dampened quality in sound. A higher blowing edge can also produce a similar feeling or tone color. An utaguchi cut like this one can play wonderfully well. This one has a brighter tone because it's sharp, but more intimate because it high.
I am always reminded of how similar the processes of making and playing shakuhachi are. There's always something new to discover.
Happy present opening!
- Perry
"Perry Yung""Perry Yung"
Many old flutes have worn utaguchi blowing edges which causes a diffused, or dampened quality in sound. A higher blowing edge can also produce a similar feeling or tone color. An utaguchi cut like this one can play wonderfully well. This one has a brighter tone because it's sharp, but more intimate because it high.
- Perry
That's a good point, Perry. A lot of the old flutes do have a much shallower notch, and some none at all, giving that intimate feel. A lot of things working together, I suppose.
Happy Festivus to all!!
"Derek Choice""Derek Choice"
That's a good point, Perry. A lot of the old flutes do have a much shallower notch, and some none at all, giving that intimate feel. A lot of things working together, I suppose.
Happy Festivus to all!!
I have an old flute from Perry which has the shallowest notch I have seen, it is my favourite late night/relaxation instrument, produces a wonderful & soothing sound -
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