Bell Shakuhachi

Handcrafted Master-grade Replicas

In 2007, Bell Shakuhachi became the world’s first replicas of Jinashi and Jimori. Embraced and endorsed by players of all levels, each one is meticulously handcrafted by me — no 3D or CNC machines, no factories, no AI, and no compromises.

History of the Bell Shakuhachi and Testimonials – the world’s first Jinashi and Jimori replicas

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. 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 a fascination that has driven my work ever since. It’s an odyssey of relentless dedication, and by 2012, after years of painstaking development, I proudly completed my first full, inside and outside replica of a Jinashi shakuhachi, another 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 Unyielding Spirit: A New Era for The Bell

The work continued, culminating in 2018 with the release of the new Bell, now beautifully 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’ve dedicated the last four years to an intense period of contemplation and innovation. Through countless hours of refinement and discarding less viable paths, I have now arrived at what I consider the final, perfected form for Bell Shakuhachi. To be part of this exciting next phase, remember to sign up for my newsletter.

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