Shakuhachi Personally Evaluated and Endorsed by Masayuki Koga
It is an honor to be offering professional level shakuhachi that are personally evaluated and endorsed by Masayuki Koga. Considered to be one of Japan's finest shakuhachi masters, Mr. Koga is extremely discerning when choosing shakuhachi and will only offer his endorsement for shakuhachi that meet his high standards.
There are many dedicated shakuhachi players around the world who may not have a teacher to help them choose a good shakuhachi. Without years of experience, choosing a shakuhachi can be very confusing or frustrating. In light of this, it is an honor to be offering top quality shakuhachi that have been personally chosen, evaluated and endorsed by Masayuki Koga.
The following comments are from Mr. Koga:
"I have been playing shakuhachi in the U.S. over 30 years. In 1970s and 1980s it was very difficult to obtain a good shakuhachi instrument. At the present time we have seen more good flutes. Yet it can be difficult and confusing to judge the quality of a shakuhachi from its appearance and its price. There are more important things to focus upon so as to choose a good shakuhachi."
"The check list for a good shakuhachi flute should be the balance between low and high registers, the balance of each note within the register, breath acceptance of each note, especially meri notes, and muraiki (strong breath) notes, the smoothness and quality (richness) from very soft notes to loud notes, also to find the limit of air-acceptance. Also important is the smoothness of the korokoro and karakara techniques. I also pay attention to the external look of the instrument. And finally I compare the shakuhachi I endorse with my own shakuhachi that I have been playing over 35 years for concerts and recordings."
Masayuki Koga's Japanese Music Institute of America
www.jmia.org
You may purchase shakuhachi from this website with full confidence! If you are not completely satisfied, you are welcome to return the flute after 3 days of receiving it for a refund. Obviously, the shakuhachi must be returned in its original condition. The original cost of shipping and your return shipping cost will not be included in the refund.
Back to Shakuhachi Showcase
