Japanese Rootend Shakuhachi Flutes
Koku Nisimura, Kumuso Monk
1915-2002
These classical Japanese rootend shakuhachi are imported and restored by me.
I am told that most of these flutes( though not all ) are between 40 and 80 years old. I dont know the history of these flutes and am only going on the age estimate of those I buy them from .
They come to me in various states . Some with cracks, some with a missing or chipped utaguchi ( inlayed blowing edge ), some with bore damage. Others play fine as they are and require little or no repair.
These flutes ( execpt the wooden ones) are made from Japanese madake bamboo which is renowned for making the worlds finest shakuhachis. Because of the increase in worldwide demand for quality shakuhachi, suitable culms of madake bamboo is becoming ever scarcer ( and so more expensive ) in Japan.
Each of these shakuhachis are also a unique part of Japanese history.
No two are alike, most have a scratch or indentation here or there that they have gathered in their journey through the hands of an unknown number of players. They are now ready to begin a new leg of that journey .
Some say shakuhachis play better the more they are played. Others say that once a shakuhachi has cracked its tone may improve.
Japanese madake bamboo as well as being famous for making the best shakuhachi is also notorious for cracking .Many high quality shakuhachi have cracked . The crack is then closed and and the flute is bound in various places along the crack . To most experienced players the crack is not considered a defect to a high quality flute that still plays well.
If you are near the Sunshine Coast ,Qld and want to choose your own rootend flute email or phone me for appointment time. I usually have about 10 or more Japanese rootend flutes that are ready to sell.
I do my best to accurately describe each flute as well as providing some detailed photos. Email me if more details or photos are required.
I price the flutes on my own estimate of the value and quality of each one. Note that this is only my personal opinion . While there may be a general agreement amongst most skilled players as to what makes a "good" shakuhachi, individual players can often respond quite differently to the same flute.
I sell these flutes at what I consider to be a very good price .My aim is to give other shakuhachi players the opportunity to play one of these rootend Japanese flutes as another stepping stone on their own shakuhachi journey.
I would much rather see these shakuhachis out in the world being played and appreciated then gathering dust in my workshop cupboard.
I price the flutes on my own estimate of the value and quality of each one. Note that this is only my personal opinion . While there may be a general agreement amongst most skilled players as to what makes a "good" shakuhachi, individual players can often respond quite differently to the same flute.
I sell these flutes at what I consider to be a very good price .My aim is to give other shakuhachi players the opportunity to play one of these rootend Japanese flutes as another stepping stone on their own shakuhachi journey.
I would much rather see these shakuhachis out in the world being played and appreciated then gathering dust in my workshop cupboard.
Quality Guarantee
Like all my flutes, these restored Japanese Shakuhachi come with a money back guarantee. If you are not happy with your flute for any reason ,send it back and your money will be fully refunded.
If you want to keep it for a week or so for it to be evaluated by someone who may know more about shakuhachis then you do , this is also fine by me.
All the work that I do on these flutes is also guaranteed. If there is any problem with a blowing edge I have replaced or a crack I have repaired send it back and flute will be repaired at no cost to the buyer.
More flutes will be added to the site as they are made ready for resale so if you don't see the flute you want here now keep checking the web page for updates .
All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD )
This is usually about 25% less than US Dollar ,tho check currency converter for an accurate exchange rate ..
Note : For a larger view of any of the photos below just click on it.
If you want to keep it for a week or so for it to be evaluated by someone who may know more about shakuhachis then you do , this is also fine by me.
All the work that I do on these flutes is also guaranteed. If there is any problem with a blowing edge I have replaced or a crack I have repaired send it back and flute will be repaired at no cost to the buyer.
More flutes will be added to the site as they are made ready for resale so if you don't see the flute you want here now keep checking the web page for updates .
All prices in Australian Dollars (AUD )
This is usually about 25% less than US Dollar ,tho check currency converter for an accurate exchange rate ..
Note : For a larger view of any of the photos below just click on it.
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Japanese Shakuhachi JI
Length 54.5 cm (21.5 inches ) Weight: 400 grms Rootend : 52mm Top: 35 mm
A nice two piece solid shakuhahi . Plays somewhere between a D and C# and drops a little in pitch in the second octave . Can be flattened enough to play in C# fairly easily but has to be pushed up a bit to play n the key of D . A bright and responsive shakuhachi . A couple of cracks in the upper section have been sealed and bound and should be no problem in the future .
$400 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J2 (SOLD)
Length 54 cms (21.3 inches ) Weight 500 grams Top: 37mm Rootend: 58mm
Tuned to D (1.8 )
A shakuhachi well tuned in D . Probably not the prettiest shakuhachi but has plenty of character . The cracks have been well sealed and plays nicely in both octaves . A very solid shakuhachi
$520 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J2 (SOLD)
Length 54 cms (21.3 inches ) Weight 500 grams Top: 37mm Rootend: 58mm
Tuned to D (1.8 )
A shakuhachi well tuned in D . Probably not the prettiest shakuhachi but has plenty of character . The cracks have been well sealed and plays nicely in both octaves . A very solid shakuhachi
$520 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J3 (SOLD )
Length 54.5 cm ( 21.5inches ) Weight 420 grams Top: 38 mm Rootend : 56 mm
A quality two piece shakuhachi well tuned in D (1.8 )
Solid flute that puts out good volume in rich bright tones . Very well tuned and easy to stay on pitch in both octaves . This hefty well seasoned flute has a medium size bore and moves easily between notes and octaves ..Join is good fit . Easy to play with good volume .The utaguchi ( Inlaid blowing edge ) has been professionally replaced (not by me ) with a slightly smaller one but this makes no difference to the playability of the flute .
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$620 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J4
Length 61.5cm ( 24 inches) Weight 360 gm Rootend 55 mm Top 33mm
A wooden shakuhachi that plays smoothly and easily . Has been well cared for . The brass band has some minor surface pitting but naturally this has no effect on the playing of the flute . Accurately tuned in the key of C ( 2.0 )
Like most wooden shakuhachis stays well in tune in both octaves. Is made from a light colored timber with brass bands around the center join.
Cork join is in good condition and a snug fit.
$280 AUD
Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J4
Length 61.5cm ( 24 inches) Weight 360 gm Rootend 55 mm Top 33mm
A wooden shakuhachi that plays smoothly and easily . Has been well cared for . The brass band has some minor surface pitting but naturally this has no effect on the playing of the flute . Accurately tuned in the key of C ( 2.0 )
Like most wooden shakuhachis stays well in tune in both octaves. Is made from a light colored timber with brass bands around the center join.
Cork join is in good condition and a snug fit.
$280 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J5
Length 55cms (21.8inches) Weight :380 gm Top: 35 mm Rootend : 40 mm
A solid shakuhachi well tuned to D ( 1.8 ) . A clear , rich and bright two piece shakuhachi . Easy to play with a smooth transition between the octaves.
Seems to have been a well used shakuhachi . All cracks have been sealed and bound and should be no problem in the future .
$ 400 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J5
Length 55cms (21.8inches) Weight :380 gm Top: 35 mm Rootend : 40 mm
A solid shakuhachi well tuned to D ( 1.8 ) . A clear , rich and bright two piece shakuhachi . Easy to play with a smooth transition between the octaves.
Seems to have been a well used shakuhachi . All cracks have been sealed and bound and should be no problem in the future .
$ 400 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J6 (SOLD )
Length : 54.5cms (21.5 inches ) Weight:480 grams Top :40mm Rootend: 65 mm
A beautiful very solid shakuhachi. Very well tuned in D. (1.8 ). Stays well on pitch in both octaves. Medium bore size . The fine crack in upper section has been sealed and bound and will be no problem in the future . The same goes for a thin crack in the upper lower section
Join is good and snug . A very well made shakuhachi that is a treat to play and moves easily between notes and octaves and puts out good volume as well as retaining clarity . Has makers mark but I could not identify it . Comes with utaguchi cover.
$700 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J6 (SOLD )
Length : 54.5cms (21.5 inches ) Weight:480 grams Top :40mm Rootend: 65 mm
A beautiful very solid shakuhachi. Very well tuned in D. (1.8 ). Stays well on pitch in both octaves. Medium bore size . The fine crack in upper section has been sealed and bound and will be no problem in the future . The same goes for a thin crack in the upper lower section
Join is good and snug . A very well made shakuhachi that is a treat to play and moves easily between notes and octaves and puts out good volume as well as retaining clarity . Has makers mark but I could not identify it . Comes with utaguchi cover.
$700 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J7 (SOLD )
Length : 55cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight : 360 grams Top : 38mm Rootend 55 mm
A two piece shakuahchi well tuned to D ( 1.8 ). Very well tuned in D and stays so in both octaves. Has a bright clear sound moving easily between the notes and the octaves. Join is a good snug fit .A well cared for shakuhachi . Has some sort of clear coating on it but I cannot be sure what that may be . Has makers mark and comes with utaguchi cover
$500 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J7 (SOLD )
Length : 55cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight : 360 grams Top : 38mm Rootend 55 mm
A two piece shakuahchi well tuned to D ( 1.8 ). Very well tuned in D and stays so in both octaves. Has a bright clear sound moving easily between the notes and the octaves. Join is a good snug fit .A well cared for shakuhachi . Has some sort of clear coating on it but I cannot be sure what that may be . Has makers mark and comes with utaguchi cover
$500 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J8
Length : 48.5cm (19 inches ) Weight: 320 grms Top: 36mm Rootend: 50mm
A well cared for two piece wooden shakuhachi accurately tuned in D# (1.7 ) .
Nice wood and tones . Smooth and very easy to play .Join a good snug fit . Comes with utaguchi cover .Has maker mark and some Japanese writing on back of flute .
$240 AUD
Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J8
Length : 48.5cm (19 inches ) Weight: 320 grms Top: 36mm Rootend: 50mm
A well cared for two piece wooden shakuhachi accurately tuned in D# (1.7 ) .
Nice wood and tones . Smooth and very easy to play .Join a good snug fit . Comes with utaguchi cover .Has maker mark and some Japanese writing on back of flute .
$240 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J9 ( SOLD)
Length : 54 cm (21 inches)
Weight : 440 grm Top : 38mm Rootend : 60 mm
A beautiful solid shakuhachi well tuned in D and stays on pitch in both octaves . Very nice mellow tones from this quality shakuhachi . A treat to play .
$600 AUD
Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J9 ( SOLD)
Length : 54 cm (21 inches)
Weight : 440 grm Top : 38mm Rootend : 60 mm
A beautiful solid shakuhachi well tuned in D and stays on pitch in both octaves . Very nice mellow tones from this quality shakuhachi . A treat to play .
$600 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J10 (SOLD )
Length 39cms (15.5 inches ) Weight :200 grams Top :33 mm Base :45mm
Two piece shakuhachi flute in F#(1.4 ). The base note is a bit sharp but can easily be flattened to create the desired F# note . A great little wooden shakuhachi for travelling or for someone withh small fingers . Has been very well cared for or seen little use as almost in new condition . Join is a good snug fit . Has makers mark
$240 AUD
Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J10 (SOLD )
Length 39cms (15.5 inches ) Weight :200 grams Top :33 mm Base :45mm
Two piece shakuhachi flute in F#(1.4 ). The base note is a bit sharp but can easily be flattened to create the desired F# note . A great little wooden shakuhachi for travelling or for someone withh small fingers . Has been very well cared for or seen little use as almost in new condition . Join is a good snug fit . Has makers mark
$240 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J 11 (SOLD)
Length 48.5 cm (19 inches) Weight 400 gm Top 37 mm Base end 48 mm
A two piece wooden shakuhachi in E (1.6) . Beautiful dark timber and well made joining rings . Has makers mark. This flute is still in very good condition .
Well in tune in both octaves as one would expect from a quality wooden shakuhachi . Join is in great condition. Very easy to play moving well between octaves . A small chip has been taken out near the base of the flute ( see photos) but of course this has no effect on its playing. These shorter shakuhachi are especially suited to those with smaller hands who may find playing the usual 1.8 shakuhachi a bit of a stretch.
$250
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Japanese Shakuhachi J12 (SOLD )
Length : 79 cm (31 inches ) Weight : 620 grm Top:40 mm Rootend :58mm
This a long, serious and rare shakuhachi. It is tuned somewhere between a G and an Ab depending on how it is played and the surrounding temperature .
It is well in tune with itself and keeps its pitch reasonably well in the different octaves.
Surprisingly easy to play considering its size with a beautiful tone in those bass notes.
As you can see, I have restored the shakuhachi by sealing the cracks and placing many bindings on it . The cracks in the lower half of the flute very only very superficial but I thought I had best bind them anyway. I dont think any of these cracks will be a problem in the future. Join is a good snug fit.
In many years of restoring Japanese shakuhachi this is the only solid one of this length that I have found at any reasonable price . A great flute for any shakuhachi enthusiast who wants to add to their collection
$640 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J12 (SOLD )
Length : 79 cm (31 inches ) Weight : 620 grm Top:40 mm Rootend :58mm
This a long, serious and rare shakuhachi. It is tuned somewhere between a G and an Ab depending on how it is played and the surrounding temperature .
It is well in tune with itself and keeps its pitch reasonably well in the different octaves.
Surprisingly easy to play considering its size with a beautiful tone in those bass notes.
As you can see, I have restored the shakuhachi by sealing the cracks and placing many bindings on it . The cracks in the lower half of the flute very only very superficial but I thought I had best bind them anyway. I dont think any of these cracks will be a problem in the future. Join is a good snug fit.
In many years of restoring Japanese shakuhachi this is the only solid one of this length that I have found at any reasonable price . A great flute for any shakuhachi enthusiast who wants to add to their collection
$640 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J13 ( SOLD )
Length: 54.5 cm (21.5 inches ) Weight: 460gm Top: 40mm Root end: 55 mm
A very solid shakuhachi in D (1.8 ). Stays well in tune in both octaves . Smooth playing . Bore is probably slightly larger than average but this is no problem. Join is good snug fit . Has makers mark in 3 places. Small hairline cracks are starting to show on base of flute but these appear to be stable and should not be a problem in the future .Clear bright sounds .
$500 AUD
Length: 54.5 cm (21.5 inches ) Weight: 460gm Top: 40mm Root end: 55 mm
A very solid shakuhachi in D (1.8 ). Stays well in tune in both octaves . Smooth playing . Bore is probably slightly larger than average but this is no problem. Join is good snug fit . Has makers mark in 3 places. Small hairline cracks are starting to show on base of flute but these appear to be stable and should not be a problem in the future .Clear bright sounds .
$500 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J14
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 400gms Top 40mm Rootend: 55mm
A two piece shakuhachi tuned in D ( 1.8 ). A thin crack running down some of the rear part of the flute has been well sealed and bound with five bindings on the upper half of the flute . This crack should be no problem in the future . A solid shakuhachi staying well in tune in both octaves . Puts out impressive volume with vibrant sounds .Easy transition between notes and octaves . Has makers mark and good solid rootend. A layer of thick paint appears on a small part of the rear of the flute ( see last photo) . This was on there when I bought the shakuahchi and it is unknown to me why it was put there but I have left it as it obviously has no effect on the sound of this quality shakuhachi .
Join is snug fit
$ 500 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J14
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 400gms Top 40mm Rootend: 55mm
A two piece shakuhachi tuned in D ( 1.8 ). A thin crack running down some of the rear part of the flute has been well sealed and bound with five bindings on the upper half of the flute . This crack should be no problem in the future . A solid shakuhachi staying well in tune in both octaves . Puts out impressive volume with vibrant sounds .Easy transition between notes and octaves . Has makers mark and good solid rootend. A layer of thick paint appears on a small part of the rear of the flute ( see last photo) . This was on there when I bought the shakuahchi and it is unknown to me why it was put there but I have left it as it obviously has no effect on the sound of this quality shakuhachi .
Join is snug fit
$ 500 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J15 (SOLD )
Length: 55 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 310gms Top 40 mm Rootend: 53mm
A well cared for two piece shakuhachi accurately tuned in C#(1.9 ) .
A simple flute with no cracks staying well in tune in both octaves . Puts out good volume and clear sounds from a medium size bore . Smooth and easy shakuhachi to play .Join fits well.
$280AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J15 (SOLD )
Length: 55 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 310gms Top 40 mm Rootend: 53mm
A well cared for two piece shakuhachi accurately tuned in C#(1.9 ) .
A simple flute with no cracks staying well in tune in both octaves . Puts out good volume and clear sounds from a medium size bore . Smooth and easy shakuhachi to play .Join fits well.
$280AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J16 ( SOLD )
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 450 gms Top 40mm Rootend: 53mm
A beautiful very solid two piece medium bore shakuhachi well tuned in D(1.8). Has Makers mark . Beautiful shakuhachi to play ,clear and smooth in both octaves with an easy transition between the two .Surface crack on lower half has not gone very deep so has had no effect on the bore of this high quality flute .I have put 3 bindings on the lower half and another one on the upper hjalf where there is also asmall surface crack . Both these cracks should be no problem in the future .. Looks like it originally had a silver inlay around utaguchi but now only a small piece remains on the right side of the blowing edge .
$650 AUD
Japanese Shakuhachi J16 ( SOLD )
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 450 gms Top 40mm Rootend: 53mm
A beautiful very solid two piece medium bore shakuhachi well tuned in D(1.8). Has Makers mark . Beautiful shakuhachi to play ,clear and smooth in both octaves with an easy transition between the two .Surface crack on lower half has not gone very deep so has had no effect on the bore of this high quality flute .I have put 3 bindings on the lower half and another one on the upper hjalf where there is also asmall surface crack . Both these cracks should be no problem in the future .. Looks like it originally had a silver inlay around utaguchi but now only a small piece remains on the right side of the blowing edge .
$650 AUD
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Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J17 (SOLD )
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 360 gms Top 40mm Rootend: 50 mm
A well cared for wooden shakuhachi well tuned in D (1.8) .Stays well in tune in both octaves. Smooth and easy to play moving easily between the octaves . Wooden join is good tight fit .
$240 AUD
Japanese Wooden Shakuhachi J17 (SOLD )
Length: 54.5 cms ( 21.5 inches ) Weight: 360 gms Top 40mm Rootend: 50 mm
A well cared for wooden shakuhachi well tuned in D (1.8) .Stays well in tune in both octaves. Smooth and easy to play moving easily between the octaves . Wooden join is good tight fit .
$240 AUD
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Japanese Shakuhachi J18 ( SOLD )
Length: 60.5cm ( 23.8 inch) Weight: 430gm Rootend: 46mm Top:38mm
A high quality two piece shakuhachi well tuned in C (2.0). Beautiful flute to play . Rare to find a longer flute in such prime condition . Puts out rich full sounds . I have adjusted the rear hole to bring into correct pitch with the rest of the flute which now plays all the C scale notes accurately . Stays well in pitch in both octaves . I have no doubt the buyer will be very happy with this shakuhachi .
$640
Length: 60.5cm ( 23.8 inch) Weight: 430gm Rootend: 46mm Top:38mm
A high quality two piece shakuhachi well tuned in C (2.0). Beautiful flute to play . Rare to find a longer flute in such prime condition . Puts out rich full sounds . I have adjusted the rear hole to bring into correct pitch with the rest of the flute which now plays all the C scale notes accurately . Stays well in pitch in both octaves . I have no doubt the buyer will be very happy with this shakuhachi .
$640
