Shakuhachi 2.1 - Masafumi - solid & beautiful sound! Start Price USD 1,799.00 Current Price USD 1,799.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Monday, October 06, 2008 End Time Saturday, October 11, 2008 Location Tokyo See more about 'Shakuhachi 2.1 - Masafumi - solid & beautiful sound!' Description Shakuhachi 2.1 - Masafumi - solid & beautiful sound! Discount update:In my efforts to keep both this instrument and the 1.8 together, as it is very rare to have instruments by the same maker on ebay, I will offer a 30% discount on the lower price selling instrument if won by the same bidder. Best of luck!Greetings to all in the Shakuhachi community, beginners, intermediates, advanced, and masters.The following instrument is a 2.1 Shaku instrument in the key of B made by "Masafumi", the same maker of the 1.8 I also have auctioned.  It is very rare to find different sized instruments by the same maker on ebay.  I can combine shipping for both items if won by the same bidder.- This auction has no reserve. - Instruments like this one would normally sell for a minimum price of 2,500US$, even here on ebay!  Here is a chance to get it at less than half the cost.For those who are new to my Shakuhachi auctions, please read my recent feedbacks to better understand this auction and the value it brings to the Global Shakuhachi community.  My item description has been accurate, honest and most importantly coming to you from a very knowledgeable perspective.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 all players, from beginners to masters.  2.1 Shaku instruments are very popular and commonly used for playing the Doukyoku pieces of Watazumido.  You can hear many of the great masters playing pieces such as San'an, Nezasa Shirabe, Sagariha, and Yamagoe on a 2.1 shaku.  This instrument is very well built and can handle the fingerings required to play such pieces.  (Please read the Tonal characteristics bellow for more details on the sound of this instrument.)About the Instrument:This is a two piece Ji-ari Kinko-ryu Ni-Shaku-Issun (2.1) in the key of B tuned at A440 with good balance and tuning.  Although little is known about the maker, his stamp indicates the name "Masafumi".Tonal characteristics: This instrument has a deep and very sweet and warm tone.  An experienced player will easily be able to get a solid "Airy" (muraiki-type sound), with lost of warmth an robustness out of this instrument, once used to the instrument's feel.  In shape, both instruments (the 1.8 & this one) are almost identical from the Utaguchi, shape and size, all the way down to the root.  (The length of both instruments is different off course.)In sound, one would expect instruments made by the same maker to have identical sound quality.  This 2.1 is a bit different from the 1.8; both instruments have quite a distinct sound.  While the 1.8 comes out with a fairly bright and Robust sound, the 2.1 has a deep and warm sound. Please  do not mistake it for a weak sound.  The sound can be strong and ultimately is dependent on the player's ability.  This instrument can handle quite a bit of "Air", the player will have to determine what amount before the sound changes tonality.The overall tonal quality of this instrument is very good with fair balance.  Unlike the 1.8, the 2.1 requires some embouchure adjustments in order to play it in perfect tuning, particularly at the 1st and 2nd octave "Chi" and "Hi".  A little "meri" on both fingerings will give an on pitch sound.  "Ha" is also a bit sharp, and by shading the back whole, you will get an on pitch sound.  An experienced player should have no problems getting used to it quickly and making it their instrument of choice, for the price it is starting and may end at.If you have long wanted a 2.1 but could not afford a master instrument which minimally starts at around 4500US$, this one would be a perfect start.Aesthetics:This instruments has natural shadings and blemishes in the bamboo to add to its natural beauty.  It has naturally well-aligned-paralleled joints, and a nice mild bend in the root-end for a classic look.There are no cracks in this instrument.  The joint is solid and seals perfectly, but please note from picture # 6 from the top that the metallic rings at the joint seem to have been slightly dent, to no affect what so ever on the sound.Instrument weight: 470 grams.If you are the only bidder you can get this instrument at a truly unmatchable price of 799US$!- To further understand this instrument please read on the auction for the 1.8 also made by "Masafumi."- I ship worldwide.- SHIPPING AND HANDLING: 50US$ by EMS TO ANY COUNTRY WORLDWIDE!SAME SHIPPING COST TO ALL NATIONS - 50US$________________________________________________________IF THIS AUCTION REACHES A MINIMUM OF 1,799US$, 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.)  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 not fully satisfied the instrument can be returned or exchanged 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 1,799US$, all sales become final.  No returns or refunds will be given unless grossly misrepresented.  So please ask your questions beforehand, and read my feedback.  My instrument description has always been accurate and you are getting a really good deal on this auction!  YOU WILL NOT FIND ANYONE ELSE SELLING AN INSTRUMENT LIKE THIS FOR LESS THAN 2,500US$!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, but  please email me before you place your bid.Happy bidding and good luck to all!Sincerely,Kyle Kamal HelouTokyo, 2008.A little about me - the seller:I, Kyle Kamal Helou, have been here in Japan training full time in Karate and Shakuhachi since August 2000.   Now, teaching Karate as a licensed instructor in Shotokan Karate from the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) Headquarters Dojo, in Sugamo, Tokyo, under the tutelage of Kagawa Masao Sensei (8th DAN and Technical Director of the JKS).  I am Graduated Instructor from their Kenshusei/Shugyosei Instructor Training Program.  I am the only non-Japanese to hold this license.In Shakuhachi, I am a licensed Jun-Shihan (Associate Master) from The Chikumeisha Shakuhachi Guild, here in Tokyo under the tutelage of Christopher Yohmei Blasdel Sensei.  Currently, I am studying the Kinko-ryu Honkyoku curriculum with Yohmei Sensei.I also studied and perform around the world the Shakuhachi Doukyoku repertoire of the Watazumido school.  I studied these pieces since 2001 under the tutelage of Sogawa Kinya Sensei who studied under Yokoyama Katsuya Sensei.  _gsrx_vers_236 (GS 5.0.3 (236)) Place a Bid!