In 2007, Bell Shakuhachi became the world’s first replicas of natural bamboo bore Jinashi and Jimori. Embraced and endorsed by players of all levels, each one is a fingerprint-level, handcrafted replica of my finest instruments, offered at a fraction of the cost.
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History of the Bell Shakuhachi and Testimonials
Long before recorded history, we shaped the world with composite earthen clay and found melody with our breath in flutes. My Bells draw deeply from these ancient wellsprings of ingenuity, etched into our collective consciousness.
The story truly began for me in 2007, with a single, unassuming act: I took a humble bamboo Jinashi shakuhachi of my making and, through a process of careful molding, cast its inner bore into another piece of bamboo.
This initial experiment sparked an odyssey of relentless dedication. By 2012, after years of painstaking development, I proudly completed my first full, inside and outside replica of a Jinashi shakuhachi — a first in the craft.
From Creation to Community
By 2013, the time felt right to introduce The Bell Shakuhachi to a broader audience. It was a leap of faith; I wasn’t sure how my creations, born of innovation, would resonate within the traditional community. The answer, however, was swift and clear: the following day brought a gratifying and somewhat horrifying wave of orders and messages, a testament to the need for them.
This early success, while exhilarating, also brought a sharp focus on the practicalities. It quickly became clear that my production process needed a more robust foundation. And as I looked ahead, a new material vision began to take shape — to replace the current jet black resin with a more natural and sustainable bamboo fiber eco-composite.
The Unbreakable Spirit — A New Era for The Bell Shakuhachi
The work continued, culminating in 2018 with the release of a new Bell crafted from my custom-developed bamboo fiber eco-composite. Its reception was nothing short of phenomenal, far surpassing the popularity of previous models. Hundreds of copies quickly found homes with enthusiasts worldwide.
Yet, even with this resounding success and the help of an assistant, the intense demands of production proved too much. In 2022, I made the difficult decision to end production.
But the crafting in my mind never ceased. Fueled by nearly two decades of unwavering commitment — of blood, sweat, and tears — I found myself with four years of contemplation on the fate of my Bells.
Through countless hours of refinement, and discarding less savory or viable paths, I have arrived at the final, perfected form for Bell Shakuhachi.
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Testimonials for the Bell c. 2018-2022
Riley Lee, Daishihan ‘Grandmaster’, PhD
ESS Shakuhachi Newsletter
Ken LaCosse – Mujitsu Taimu Shakuhachi
‘We all know what’s good about bamboo. Show people what’s good about other materials. Go Jon go!’ – Ken LaCosse
Brian Taigen Ritchie
‘The Bell Shakuhachi can be used for lessons, teaching, or performing up to the professional level. Super quality for the value. Well thought out design. Kudos to Jon for taking the initiative to produce a good instrument for the people.’ – Brian Tairaku Ritchie
