I recommend the Shakuhachi Yuu to anyone starting shakuhachi. It’s in tune, virtually indestructible, and inexpensive. But most importantly, it sounds really good. I am always relieved when a new student has a Yuu—I don’t have to worry about their instrument, just their playing!
What a surprising instrument is the Yuu Shakuhachi. Robust plastic, molded into the form of a bamboo root-end, it certainly looks the part. But the most pleasing aspect is the tremendous sound; so clear and responsive. I would have no hesitation in using the Shakuhachi Yuu in a performance at any level. It is a must for beginners, and at such a reasonable price, and as a “second” flute for experienced shakuhachi players, professionals and teachers.
The Shakuhachi Yuu
‘Yuu’ – At Ease, Calm, Serene,
Composed, Victorious and Eternal.
The shakuhachi flute is an ancient instrument; known and appreciated for its mystical sound and expressiveness. Originally, the shakuhachi was used as a spiritual tool to relax the mind and body. Today, the shakuhachi is used for this same meditative purpose and for playing a wide variety of modern music as well.
Designed by a world famous Japanese musician in 1976, the 1.8 size Shakuhachi Yuu is a quality, well tuned instrument, available at an affordable price for anyone who wants to play shakuhachi.
With its precision bore design, the Shakuhachi Yuu plays easily, with a clear, bright and confident tone. The Yuu has good sound quality, accurate musical intervals, and excellent tonal balance throughout the entire musical scale.
Included With Your Purchase of the Shakuhachi Yuu (files sent by email):
– Complete instruction on how to assemble, disassemble and care for your flute.
– Free introductory online lesson with a master shakuhachi teacher, either Michael Chikuzen Gould or Masayuki Koga (further information below).
Listen to the Shakuhachi Yuu
Michael Chikuzen Gould very kindly allowed me to record him playing the Shakuhachi Yuu:
Shakuhachi Master Michael Chikuzen Gould improvising
on the Shakuhachi Yuu
Shakuhachi Master Michael Chikuzen Gould playing Kikko Genso Kyoku (Bellflower Fantasy) on the Shakuhachi Yuu
Shakuhachi Master Sugawara playing Shika No Tone
(Distant Call of the Deer) on the Shakuhachi Yuu
Shakuhachi beginner improvising on the Shakuhachi Yuu
Shakuhachi Yuu Beginner: Sunayama
Professional flute and shakuhachi player Geni Skendo plays the Shakuhachi Yuu on this jazz piece called Sugar,
from his forthcoming Stella CD
Watch Zac Zinger on YouTube, playing ‘Teen Town’
on the Shakuhachi Yuu
The Shakuhachi Yuu is a perfect student shakuhachi for beginning players who want to experience the shakuhachi without spending a lot of money. There are also many advanced shakuhachi players and teachers around the world who enjoy having a Yuu in their collection as well. Please read some of the excellent endorsements from professional players and teachers!
One of the best things about the ABS Resin Shakuhachi Yuu is that it does not require maintenance like bamboo! You can take this flute with you wherever you go—traveling to foreign countries, hiking, backpacking, to the beach or desert—all without the slightest fear of the instrument being damaged.
The Shakuhachi Yuu will withstand any weather conditions, you can even play it in your bath or in a hot tub under the stars! The Shakuhachi Yuu feels very similar to professional bamboo instruments in terms of its size, shape, and weight. It is extremely rugged in its construction and disassembles easily for travel.
Please do not let the fact that the Shakuhachi Yuu is made from ABS plastic resin fool you or turn you away from owning one. The Shakuhachi Yuu is an excellent instrument, endorsed by numerous teachers and players, and the Yuu performs as well as some of the more expensive professional bamboo shakuhachi!
Production of the Shakuhachi Yuu
For those who may be interested, the production of the Shakuhachi Yuu is a collaboration between the engineer of the ABS Resin construction and a professional bamboo shakuhachi tuner. After the first stages of production, the Shakuhachi Yuu is cut to size and the utaguchi or blowing edge is crafted. And finally, the insides of the five holes on the Yuu are crafted and fine tuned.
If you would enjoy the opportunity, a free 60-minute introductory online shakuhachi lesson with Grand Master Michael Chikuzen Gould will be included with your purchase of a Shakuhachi Yuu!
After your purchase you may contact Michael to arrange a time for your online shakuhachi lesson. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn correct posture, how to hold the shakuhachi, how to easily produce sounds, how to read basic notes for the shakuhachi, and hear what the Shakuhachi can sound like by hearing Michael play!
Free Lesson with Shakuhachi Master Masayuki Koga
With your purchase of the Shakuhachi Yuu, you may also choose a free 60-minute lesson with Shakuhachi Master Masayuki Koga. Mr. Koga is a world famous shakuhachi master. He founded the Japanese Music Institute of America (JMI) in 1981 to introduce the highest quality of Shakuhachi music to the USA. Since that time, JMI has fostered the appreciation and study of both traditional and contemporary musical practice with private instruction and ensemble training, comprising the core of JMI’s offerings.
This opportunity will be honored by Mr. Koga only with a purchase of a Shakuhachi Yuu from this website. After your purchase here, you may contact Mr. Koga at mkoga@sbcglobal.net
Guarantee
You may purchase the Shakuhachi Yuu with full confidence. If you are not completely satisfied within 3 days of receiving the Yuu, you may return it for a refund. The Shakuhachi Yuu must be returned in its original condition with the label still intact. The original cost of shipping and return shipping cost will not be included in the refund.
An ingenius little device! The Shakuhachi Yuu Adaptor, shown in the last photo on this page. Click here for more information about the Shakuhachi Yuu Adaptor
Your purchase helps support Naljor Prison Dharma Service / SourcePoint Gloal Outreach, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We provide teachings of non-violence and compassion to those in prison throughout the USA; supply solar power flashlights to villages in developing countries without access to electricity or adequate lighting; distribute The SourcePoint Practice, for cultivating the true qualities of the heart and living a more heart-centered life; provide education for lowering one’s exposure to harmful electromagnetic radiation.