Shakuhachi 1.8 Super lightweight Antique - superb !! Start Price USD 1,499.00 Current Price USD 1,499.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, October 06, 2008 End Time Thursday, October 16, 2008 Location Tokyo See more about 'Shakuhachi 1.8 Super lightweight Antique - superb !!' Description Shakuhachi 1.8 Super lightweight Antique - superb !! Greetings to all in the Shakuhachi community, beginners, intermediates, advanced, and masters.Welcome to my auction for this truly wonderful and very rare super lightweight Antique - excellently tuned and balanced - Shakuhachi instrument at an unbelievably low introductory price -  WITH NO RESERVE!!!!!A little about this auction:After almost 14 years of playing the Shakuhachi, I feel that the instrument I have here on this auction is of great value to players up to the advanced level, and particularly those playing the Kinko-ryu Honkyoku.  Although, master players can benefit just as equally, especially if they are looking for a lightweight instrument to play the Kinko-ryu Honkyoku.This Shakuhachi is also suited for all genres of music, including the traditional Kinko-ryu gaikyoku and Honkyoku, the Doukyoku pieces of the Watazumido Honkyoku, as well as modern pieces.  About the Instrument:This is an unsigned two piece Ji-ari Shakuhachi (1.8) in the key of D tuned at A440.  One thing to keep in mind is that while this instrument has excellent tuning, it requires, like the majority of antique instruments in its class,  some embouchure and jaw adjustment to play each note in perfect pitch.  This particular instrument requires it but only in a minute form.Sound:The tone is well rounded and semi-rich, not overly bright.  Tone color is very distinct and very sweet.  Warm sounding instrument.  Very soothing and relaxing sound.Instrument weight: 220grams!Aesthetics:This instruments is truly beautiful with natural shadings and blemishes in the bamboo to add to its natural beauty.There are two hairline cracks (Picture #4 & #5 from top) on the back side of the upper portion of this instrument.  They DO NOT affect the sound.  Picture # 4 from top:Hairline crack extending down from the back whole. Picture # 5 from top:Hairline crack extending from the top joint, opposite the utaguchi, down to the next joint.   While these are only on the surface and DO NOT extend all the way in to the bore, it is highly recommended that they be repaired to prevent any future extension of these cracks into the bore.Pictures #9 & #10 from top:The Utaguchi is slightly chipped and while this instrument is playable as it is, fixing the utaguchi would be also recommended to restore the true beauty of this instrument.Picture #3 & #5 from top:While the joint is functioning, I would also recommend a cote of urushi to replenish some of the old coating which has partially pealed off.  (Please see pictures.)Repairs are available in Japan, and would be glad to get you an exact quote after the auction is won.An instrument similar to this one sells as is between 1,700-2,500US$ due to its tonal and aesthetic qualities.  You could have it, if you are the only bidder to an incredibly low price!- I ship worldwide.- SHIPPING AND HANDLING: 50US$ TO ANY COUNTRY WORLDWIDE!________________________________________________________IF THIS AUCTION REACHES A MINIMUM OF 1,299US$, I WILL:1- Ship the instrument for free to anywhere in the world.  (OTHERWISE SHIPPING IS 50US$ TO ALL COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD, WHICH INCLUDES A 150US$ INSURANCE.)  Additional insurance is available at the winner's expense, depending on the amount required.  My packaging is top quality and fully guaranteed, as you may read in my feedback section.  Shipping by EMS, which can be tracked through the internet.2- Offer a SATISFACTION GUARANTY on the instrument and allow 7 days, from the date of receipt, for the winner to try this instrument at their home.  If they are not fully satisfied they can return or exchange the instrument for a 100% cash-back, so long as the instrument is returned in the original condition it was received.  (Money is refunded after the instrument arrives and is checked.) ________________________________________________________- If an exchange is requested, the winner is responsible for paying all  shipping costs as well as the difference in price for the instrument to be shipped, if applicable.  In the event of a return, ebay fees including listing fees and end-of-auction fees, as well as incoming and outgoing paypal fees will be deducted from the total amount to be refunded.- If the auction does not reach the minimum of 1,299US$, all sales become final.  No returns or refunds will be given unless grossly misrepresented.  So please ask your questions beforehand, and read my feedback.  My instrument description has always been accurate and you are getting a really good deal on this auction!  YOU WILL NOT FIND ANYONE ELSE SELLING AN INSTRUMENT LIKE THIS FOR LESS THAN 1500US$!I can combine shipping with any of my other auctions.I only accept PayPal payments.  If you are unable to use paypal, please email me for other payment options.  Direct bank transfers are also possible, if the auction is won at a minimum price of 1,299US$ or higher.Happy bidding and good luck to all!Sincerely,Kyle Kamal HelouTokyo, 2008.A little about me - the seller:Kyle Kamal Helou has been here in Japan training full time in Karate and Shakuhachi since August 2000.   Now, teaching Karate as a licensed instructor in Shotokan Karate under the tutelage of Kagawa Masao Sensei at the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) Headquarters Dojo, as a  Graduated Instructor from their Kenshusei/Shugyosei Instructor Training Program.  He is the only non-Japanese to hold this license.In Shakuhachi, he is a licensed Jun-Shihan (Associate Master) and currently studying the Kinko-ryu Honkyoku curriculum under the tutelage of Christopher Yohmei Blasdel Sensei from The Chikumeisha Shakuhachi Guild, here in Tokyo.Kyle also studied and performs around the world the Shakuhachi Doukyoku repertoire of the Watazumido school.  He studied these pieces under the tutelage of Sogawa Kinya Sensei who studied under Yokoyama Katsuya Sensei.  _gsrx_vers_236 (GS 5.0.3 (236)) Place a Bid!