The shakuhachi and the quena, have different scales and different fingerings, but I was wondering what the performance differences are between their embouchure. The quena looks more U shaped than the shakuhachi’s crescent shape.
I have been playing the quena on and off for a year or two, and the shak fairly recently. You are right about the differences in embouchure. The quena’s deeper notch seems to make it easier to get a consistent tone, with little pitch variation. The shak, on the other hand, makes a virtue of the pitch variability by allowing the player to bend notes up or down by as much as a whole tone (in western terminology) using the various meri/kari techniques.
Thanks, that is what I would have guessed.
Just ordered one of these (while I wait on one from Perry Yung):
$110
“Modern bamboo shakuhachi are usually quite expensive and require specific care so they do not crack. For this reason, the ABS Plastic Shakuhachi Yuu is an excellent entry point for those who would like to play and experience this wonderful instrument.”
Seems to get quite a good reception from on-line shakuhachi commentators.
Regards,
Harry.
That one there looks like it could deliver quite a “crack” itself, should the need arise. Those polymer flutes have nothing on that ABS beastie in a pub brawl I’d imagine.
“Clear the row boys, Harry is coming through!”
Loren
The session was going well…
…Until…
Regards,
H.
My shakuhachi teacher sells these (in Australia). I have played one - they are actually pretty good VFM (IMO). (thinks: must stop using these acronyms).
Incidentally, one of the reasons why the ex-samurai Komuso (or is that Komosu?) monks used the heavier root end of bamboo to make shakuhachi is supposedly that they made better weapons!
Yeah, better think twice before dissing the local busking monk, lest he go Komuso on your ass!!!
Loren
I have been thinking about the shakuhachi for awhile now actually several years and I think I’m going to take the plunge the Yuu.
Thanks for posting the link.
MarkB