The Bell Shakuhachi
Replicas of Master-level shakuhachi cast in my carbon fiber bamboo eco-composite
Sign up to my newsletter to hear when my new Bell Shakuhachi become available
Since 2007, Bell Shakuhachi have been played worldwide by Masters and beginners alike. Each Bell is handcrafted by me from molds I make of my finest shakuhachi instruments. My handmade molds impart fingerprint-level details which no other methods can even come close to, not even 3D printing. Their unparalleled classic aesthetic will inspire you and others, lending seamless optics for performances.
I cast each Bell in my worry-free, eco-friendly bamboo composite which is now lighter and stronger than ever thanks to recycled carbon fiber. All of these things and more make my Bell Shakuhachi lifetime instruments that will take you from beginner, all the way to mastery.
- Master-level at entry-level prices.
- Worry-free – won’t crack like bamboo or wood and no troublesome joints to worry about breaking or leaking.
- Looks just like bamboo – no casting seams/lines or marks.
- Handcrafted by me from eco-friendly materials – my bamboo composite is now lighter and stronger than ever thanks to eco-friendly recycled carbon fiber.
History of my Bell Shakuhachi
Composites and flutes are among the most ancient works of humanity. My Bells marry these venerable creations. It all began in 2007 when I copied the bore of a bamboo Jinashi shakuhachi and cast it into another piece of bamboo, becoming the first person in the world to ever do so. From then to now, I utilize molding and casting which delivers fingerprint level detail that no other methods can currently match. After much hard work, in 2012 I finalized my first full copy, inside and out, of a Jinashi shakuhachi.
Bell Shakuhachi go live!
In 2013 I released the first iteration of the Bell for wide sale. I didn’t know how they’d be received by the community. Suffice to say, I awoke the next day to many orders and emails. However, it was short lived because I quickly realized I needed to refine my process for production. Additionally, I wished to develop a bamboo fiber eco-composite to replace the jet black resin I was using.
After an incredible amount of work, in 2018 I released the new Bell cast in my bamboo fiber eco-composite. The popularity of this Bell far exceeded previous modals, quickly selling hundreds of copies worldwide. However, in 2022 I had to end production because it was too draining on me, even with a hired helper. As of 2023, I thought of a new approach to molding and eco-composites which will allow me to craft Bell Shakuhachi without over taxing myself (sign up to my newsletter to stay informed).
Testimonials for the Bell c. 2018-2022
Riley Lee, Dai-Shihan ‘Grandmaster’
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 Tairaku 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
