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The Shakuhachi is made from bamboo.
Bamboo is very hard, and it is best to use a special re-sharpenable hacksaw to cut it.
It burns exceptionally hot.
Preparation takes a very long time. The bamboo must be harvested at a low-moisture time (winter), etc. (more to note)
There are many many varieties, and there are a traditional few which have been used for shakuhachi.
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Madake
- https://web.archive.org/web/20190202022617/http://yungflutes.com:80/guide/faq/what_is_madake_bamboo/
- .. is the only species of bamboo used by professional Shakuhachi makers in Japan.
- . has a density and wall thickness that is necessary for the utaguchi blowing edge to split the air stream properly and for the finger holes to have the correct “chimney” for the desired tone color.
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Torachiku (Tiger Bamboo)
- https://web.archive.org/web/20110517082614/http://www.hosetsu.com:80/tiger_bamboo.html
- Phyllostachys nigra f. punctata
- A species of black bamboo originating in Shikoku.
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… others?
