7.5 Tenkan Blessing

The tenkan which translates as “heaven flute” is a hybrid overtone flute created by Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos. It combines the mouthpiece and blowing subtleties of the shakuhachi with the circular breathing and rhythmic dynamics of the yidaki (didgeridoo). The 5 finger holes which are positioned towards the top of the flute and its length which starts at 3.9 feet and can be as long as 13+ feet! The length is what creates the wild harmonic frequencies giving it a very exotic, otherworldly tone quality. Orders accepted.

Tenkan Sizes:

Seraphim:

Alcvin playing a 7.5 tenkan.

Alcvin demonstrating the tenkan.

Accessories:

 

TENKAN FAQ:

Q: As a shakuhachi type blown instrument, is your Tenkan bore similar to a Hotchiku, Jinashi, or Jiari.

A: No. Hocchiku and jiari bores are tapered and/or flared. Tenkan bore is generally straight cylinder with with slight bumps where the nodes were. 

Q: Does the utagachi come with inlay or the amber inlay?

A: Amber utaguchi can be inserted upon request. It is $50 extra. 

Q: Is it tuned to a specific key?

A: Tenkan are generally not tuned unless it is specified. 

Q: As far as the finger holes are concerned, what kind of care does it need, beyond standard woodwind care?

A: No extra care needed for the finger holes. 

Q: What kind of time would it require for you to construct it?

A: I can have one made in 2 weeks. 

Q: Are there any modifications you’d recommend?

A: Yes. Bindings at the end and near the utaguchi to help prevent potential cracking. And, hole coverings, so you can have the option to play it as a hole-less flute. Also, coating the bore with a thin layer of epoxy for additional brightness of tone. $50 extra. 

Q: Also, is it a one piece instrument?

A: Yes, it is a one-piece instrument. 

Q: If the root versus non-root end will not affect the sound quality, which in my limited experience with shakuhachi it doesn’t seem to?

A: In the case of a tenkan, the rootend is a purely aesthetic addition.

Q: Regarding the epoxy in the bore to brighten the tone, will that in any way affect the more natural resonance of the bamboo? Is it more like a sealing coat of urushi inside a Jinashi that keeps it more stabilized, but allows the more true tones of the bamboo to sound or will it be more akin to a Jiari plastered bore with more volume, but less of the warm tone?

A: The crystal clear epoxy lined bore will enhance the clarity and volume of the sound and increase the range of overtones produced. The thin layer of epoxy acts like a thin layer of urushi lacquer and will increase the natural resonance of the bamboo.

Q: Do you provide an utaguchi cover?

A: Yes. I make custom utaguchi caps from the original bamboo stalk. 

Q: Does it need to be stored in plastic and/or a cloth case?

A: No need to store it in a case. Just make sure it’s not directly near a heat source for an extended amount of time. Humidity of the room should be around 40-60%.

Q: Would binding up the length of the Tenkan, in addition to your suggested binding, be advisable due to our to humidity issues?

A: Yes, binding up the length of the flute is advised for added insurance from splitting. 

Q: Would you suggest using as a bore swab and if the bore needs cleaning from time to time, what is your recommended method?

A: I will make an extra-log tsuyu-kiri (flute swab) for the tenkan.

Q: How do you prefer to receive payment?

A: For international customers, PayPal is my preferred payment platform. You can use my email address for payment: ryu.zen18@gmail.com.

The tenkan has greatly helped me with my shakuhachi embouchure, and also refining my breathing practice. It has taught me refinement and subtlety. It also sounds incredibly beautiful and is fun to play! Thank you so much Al for creating such a fantastic instrument!

                                                              — Dr. Lauren Nagaryu Rubin, Los Angeles, CA