shakuhachi made with 'found' bamboo?

The makers I know would use bamboo they found in a public toilet as long as it is not cracked. Even if it's cracked they'd bind it.

Tairaku, ur talking about those brushes with bamboo handles the cleaning ladys use to clean the toilet bowl? dam ive seen few back in korea, was really tempted to steal one and make a Hochiku out of it

Hi David, I've made many flutes from bamboo collected dead on the ground in bamboo groves.


Here's a shot of my last harvesting in Japan. You can see the dead (goma), fallen pieces of bamboo in the background. This is a common sight in old groves. Most are not usable due to the insect damage. The bugs eat through the walls but you can't see this right away. It takes some experience to discern the difference from the usable goma pieces.

Also, here's a link to a blog entry about a shakuhachi workshop I lead at Zen Mountain Monastery where we picked some good goma boo and used it in the workshop right away.

http://yungflutes.com/blog/entry/watzumido_at_zen_mountain_monastery/


Never came across any in public restrooms here in New York City, but I heard a rumor of a shakuhachi maker who worked out of the public toilets of the Greyhound Bus Station in Los Angeles.

Perry made a very nice 3.0 for me out of that goma bamboo.

Thanks! I remember that flute well. It had a crack near the root even before it was crafted into a flute. Just curious, has it moved over the years?

No it is the same as ever.

Awesome.

I have a few shakuhachi made from dead bamboo that was lying on the ground in the bamboo grove. Depending on the age of the bamboo, they can be very nice and responsive.
If the bamboo died when too young, I feel there is not enough substance to the sound.... in my personal opinion. But hey, I may be wrong.
Cool with this 3.0 coma shakuhachi.

I agree with all of the above, adding that a piece that has been lying around for a while may have the advantage of being well dried.

K.

How nice it is to have you back on the forum Karmajampa!!! Welcome!!!!

Thank you Kiku,
Now I recall how stimulating the Forum can be, and how much I learned at the Barbecue.

K.