◇ About the Maker ◇ We sell handmade shinobue flutes crafted by a father and daughter team in Shimane Prefecture, who have been teaching shinobue for about 25 years. We harvest female bamboo (shino bamboo) growing in the Shizumagawa River (formerly the Ginzangawa River), dry it for over 3 years, and then use it to make shinobue and kagura flutes. ◇ 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, the first hole is out of reach. ※ See the reference image 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-colored lacquer (cashew) ◯ Outer surface: Coated with synthetic black lacquer (cashew) ◯ Winding thread: Light brown 16g of lead is inserted inside the head joint 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 play the lower register (1st octave), the higher register (2nd octave), and the even higher register (3rd octave) by varying your breath strength. Each piece of natural bamboo has its own unique characteristics. Those accustomed to other makers' flutes may take some time to master the technique of playing the 3rd and 4th octaves on this flute. ◇ 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 overly concerned about perfection. ※ We inspect the flutes before shipping, but if there are any initial defects, please contact us "before" giving a review. We will promptly exchange the item. ※ There may be scratches or processing marks due to the natural bamboo. These do not affect the sound. #ForSongs #Utamono #Shinobue #Shinobue #BambooFlute #Yokobue #7Key #Japanese Bamboo Flute