Hi; I'm Bill, and I'm the only shakuhachi player in the state of Alabama. (someone prove me wrong please) The first flute I ever made that actually worked was a shakuhachi. If I remember correctly, that was in ' 91. There was a lot of dumb luck involved. I just happened to get hold of a piece of bamboo that was right inside and copied the measurments of a flute that I knew worked. I had no idea that I'd choosen "THE" most difficult form to start with or that just getting one to work at all was a minor miracle. And this happened at a time in my life when I really needed for something good to happen. Life is strange. I still have that flute; I won't let it get away; too much sentimental value. It doesn't do everything it should(looses a note or two at the high end) It was my start; the beginning of something that has become an important part of my life' flute making. I've made alot of flutes since ' 91, The shakuhachi is the smallest part of what I do (THE most difficult form; remember?) Mostly traverse flutes, kenas, Native American; allin bamboo; but the shakuhachi is special. I first ran across the shakuhachi through martial arts training. I read this article about the Komuso, many of whom were ronin. Being forbidden to carry their swords, they began making their flutes form the root section of the bamboo to double as a weapon. Being a good martial artist; I thought, "I gotta have one of those." The first one I managed to get hold of was made of pvc and didn't play well. Later, I bought a better instrument from Monty Levenson and I've been hooked ever since. Martial arts training is now something that I think of in past tense, but the flute is still here. I love the sound. The concept of "Suizen" is powerful. (Honkokyu eludes me, please help) I've been reading the letters on this list for the last month, with a growing awareness that "the only shakuhachi player in Alabama" doesn't have to remain isolated any longer. I've started several times to reply to letters, but decided that what I had to say wasn't important enough. Maybe I don't really have anything important to say; but it sure feels good to see all these ideas being exchanged. Everyone else I talk to about these things thinks I'm just some nut with a wierd flute. I'll keep reading ; and maybe I will respond now and then. Bill
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