Thank you for choosing Ryuzen Jinashi Shakuhachi! The following is some important information and instructions to help keep you and your shakuhachi in great condition.
- Urushi
Urushi (aka sumac or Japanese lacquer) is used within the bore of the flute. It is used to seal all the pores in the bamboo and to prevent the build-up of mold on the surface. It is harvested raw from the urushi tree then cleaned and processed for application in arts and crafts.
Some people are allergic to urushi which is similar to poison oak or poison ivy. If you have a reaction such as a rash from the contact with urushi, stop using the instrument and treat your reaction as soon as possible. A common treatment is a steroidal cream such as hydrocortisone. For more serious reactions, prednisone may be required which you can obtain from your family doctor. The good news is that over time, the urushi will eventually cure completely and the allergic reaction will dissipate completely. This typically takes around 5-6 months.
- Swab out your flute of moisture and condensation completely with your complimentary tsuyutoshi (cleaning cloth with weighted string) after each session of playing. Do this a few times to insure it is completely dry inside.
Excessive moisture has a negative effect on the urushi lacquer of the shakuhachi. Also, the moisture penetrates the surface of the bamboo causing it to expand. The pressure of the bamboo expanding effects the amber inserted into the utaguchi, hence, effecting the tone colour and volume of the instrument.
The moisture around the thumb hole at the back should also be completely wiped dry. Moisture can easily accumulate around this area and repeated moisturizing and drying of this area will increase the possibility of cracking.
- Clean the Mouthpiece After Use
Dab some water on the surface around the utaguchi and zetsumen (flat, diagonally surface area where the utaguchi is inserted) and rub the surface with your finger to clean any residue, and wipe with tissue paper. Repeat until clean. Take care not to damage the amber insert. Any residue on the amber can interfere with the airstream, affected the tone colour and volume. It is recommended to insert your finger into the bore to support the amber edge when wiping.
- Mouthpiece Cap Protector
May new bamboo cap/cork inserts of the mouthpiece protector should maintain its balanced snugness over time, but you can replace it with a new one if it gets damaged. Please email me to get new corks.
- Caring for the Amber Utaguchi
Take care not to chip the fragile amber utaguchi inlay. So after each session, put on the utaguchi protector when not playing the flute. If you happen to chip or break the amber utaguchi, please send back the flute to me immediately for replacement.
The amber blowing edge may become less sharp over time from prolonged use. It is recommended you sharpen it periodically. A dull edge makes the tone response slower which will affect harmonic overtone production. Of course tone colour is a matter of taste. Some prefer a softer tone colour from a duller edge. If so, no sharpening is needed.
- Regarding application of oil to the surface of the bamboo.
In my view, applying oil to the surface of the bamboo is not necessary as it doesn’t help in prevention of cracks and can make the bamboo surface slippery. However, a nice sheen and deeper colour can be developed by applying a small amount of walnut oil to the surface then wiping it off.
- Regarding shakuhachi cases for travel
If you want a quality shakuhachi case for full protecting your shakuhachi in recommend the Doro Brand of travel cases. These can hold several flutes up to the 2.7 size.
Once you get the case, then combine the case with a humidifier set up. Should be used in conjunction with the humidor land humidity meter:
MusicNomad MN303 Case Humitar Instrument Humidifier with Holster
https://www.amazon.ca/MusicNomad-MN303-Humitar-Instrument-Humidifier/dp/B00VMB7E0U/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=music+nomad%2C+humitar&qid=1618769861&sr=8-3
Govee Humidity Meter, Mini Bluetooth Hygrometer Thermometer with App
Alert & Data Storage
https://www.amazon.ca/Govee-Bluetooth-Hygrometer-Thermometer-Temperature/dp/B08KFZVGB2/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=govee+home&qid=1618769889&sr=8-10
Using normal distilled water is fine.
Check the Hydrometer to see if you are at the desired humidity (around 50-55% humidity is ideal). Take humitar out once it reaches your ideal level.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at my address below any time.
ryu.zen18@gmail.com