The Bell Shakuhachi

Replicas of Master-level shakuhachi cast in my carbon fiber bamboo eco-composite

The Bell Shakuhachi
The Bell Shakuhachi 1.8, 2020

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Chimp Form

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.

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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.

Horiuchi Myoan shakuhachi master plays first Bell Shakuhachi
Horiuchi Sensei, Myoan shakuhachi master plays first Bell, 2013 (photo by Dean Del Bene)
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The Bell Shakuhachi, 2020

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

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The Bell Shakuhachi on the cover of the ESS Newsletter, ’19

Ken LaCosse – Mujitsu Taimu Shakuhachi

The Bell Shakuhachi next to a Mujitsu Shakuhachi by Ken LaCosse.
The Bell Shakuhachi next to a Mujitsu Shakuhachi by Ken LaCosse.

‘We all know what’s good about bamboo. Show people what’s good about other materials. Go Jon go!’ – Ken LaCosse

Brian Tairaku Ritchie

Left to right: Okubo Kodo, Bell Shakuhachi, Yamaguchi Shiro
Left to right: Okubo Kodo, Bell Shakuhachi, Yamaguchi Shiro

‘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

The Bell Shakuhachi in the Sahara Desert – photo by Robin Tamura ig @shakuhachijourney
The Bell Shakuhachi in the Sahara Desert – photo by Robin Tamura ig @shakuhachijourney
The Bell Shakuhachi at the Grand Canyon – photo by Bogfrej Art ig @bogfrej.art
The Bell Shakuhachi at the Grand Canyon – photo by Bogfrej Art ig @bogfrej.art