◇ About the Makers ◇ We sell handmade shinobue flutes crafted by a father and daughter team in Shimane Prefecture, with the father having about 25 years of experience as a shinobue instructor and flute maker. We harvest female bamboo (shino bamboo) growing in the Shizumagawa River (formerly known as the Ginzangawa River), and we make shinobue and kagura flutes from bamboo that has been dried for over 3 years. ◇ Shipping Method ◇ We will ship via Yu-Pack (Japan Post) using the Yu-Yu Mercari service within 1-2 days of purchase. If you need it urgently, please leave a comment. ◇ First ◇ Doremi-scale shinobue flutes have 7 holes. The first hole (the hole furthest from the mouthpiece) is only opened for pitch adjustment and is not intended to be used during performance. (This is common for Doremi-scale flutes) Occasionally, some regions use the first hole on Doremi-scale flutes, but on shinobue flutes with a key of 1-8 and varying lengths, the first hole is out of reach for the fingers. *See the reference images at the end. 【Specifications】Included: Instruction manual (fingering chart) ◯ Length: Approximately 43-45cm, Thickness: Approximately 19-21mm (near the mouthpiece) ◯ Material: Shino bamboo (female bamboo) (dried for over 3 years and then heat-treated) ◯ Hole: Inner surface coated with synthetic azuki bean-colored lacquer (cashew) ◯ Outer surface: Coated with synthetic transparent lacquer (cashew) ◯ Binding thread: Ivory color 16g of lead is inserted inside the head of the tube for stability adjustment. Wood filler is used for the mouthpiece reflector to prevent melting in the summer heat. The flute is tuned so that you can produce the lower register (1st octave), the higher register (2nd octave), and the even higher register (3rd octave) with varying breath strength. Since they are made from natural bamboo, each flute has its own unique characteristics. Those accustomed to other flute makers' flutes may take some time to master the technique of producing the 3rd and 4th octaves on these flutes. ◇ Requests ◇ * Handmade. We offer these flutes at an affordable price because we want many people to experience the shinobue. Please understand this, check the condition in the photos, and refrain from purchasing if you are a perfectionist. * We inspect the flutes before shipping, but if there are any initial defects, please contact us "before" you rate the item. We will promptly exchange it. * There may be scratches or processing marks due to the natural bamboo. These do not affect the sound. #ForSongs#ForSongs#Shinobue#Shinobue#BambooFlute#HorizontalFlute#7Key#Japanese Bamboo Flute