I just came back from the NAMM convention (and no, I didn’t have any passes to give out - sorry) and had a chance to swing by Michael Copeland’s booth. He was selling his whistles as well as sweetones and megs. He also had the sterling whistles I lust after badly on display. Anyway, I got to meet Michael, who is a fabulous gent (along with the other fine folks manning the booth) and is very sharing with information.
In return, Michael swung by my booth and had some fun trying out a variety of Japanese flutes. Fun for all.
I took a couple pix, and posted them up should you be so inclined to see them.
For those that don’t know (and there’s not real reason you should), NAMM is the National Association of Music Merchant’s convention. It’s four days of sore feet, horse throats from shouting over the increadible din of everone trying out instruments at once, and ringing ears. It’s purpose is hooking up retailers and manufacturers, and is closed to the public. And yes, the occasional star does walk by (I saw Stevie Wonder last year, plus his wall of bodyguards), but I swear the short skirts on the groupies is not why I go.
Edit: Bonus points for correctly naming both Japanese instruments Michael is playing.
Yup. Now, what’s the Japanese name for the sea shell horn?
I can get the cleaning cloths for shakuhachi for you. The ones I am familiar with have stainless steel weights - I’ll have to ask my Japanese supplier if they have the agate weights. I’ll look into it and PM you with a response.
Hmm…horagai no rappa? I dunno. I don’t think I ever ran across one in Japan–only in Florida and Texas.
I can get the cleaning cloths for shakuhachi for you. The ones I am familiar with have stainless steel weights - I’ll have to ask my Japanese supplier if they have the agate weights. I’ll look into it and PM you with a response.
Please don’t go to the trouble. All I have is a Taiwanese xiao (AKA hsiao), which is too rough to need such a thing–and buried in storage, to boot. It’s also a lot easier to play, though. The first time I tried my friends shakuhachi, by the time I finally got a steady note, I almost passed out from hyperventilation. He barely grabbed it out of my hands before I fell over.
I was quite impressed with the finish of his shakuhachi vs. my little folk instrument. I think the price was pretty impressive, too, even though this was the time of 360 yen to the dollar.
Thanks for posting the photos. I really like the Shakuhachi and the Ryuteki you sold me! For the record, they were Sterling Silver Low D’s.
The Blackwood flutes, although not with their final finish/polish were present and well played. Just getting the first half-dozen out by next week, for those who have been patiently waiting.
Jim
Copeland Woodwinds
The “other guy” in the pics for those who didn’t know.
