◇ About the Maker ◇ I sell handmade shinobue flutes crafted by my father, who has been a shinobue instructor in Shimane Prefecture for about 25 years. He makes shinobue and kagura flutes from female bamboo (shinotake) grown in the Shizumagawa River (formerly Ginzangawa River), dried for over 3 years. ◇ Shipping Method ◇ We will ship via Yu-Pack (Yu-Yu Mercari Bin) within 1-2 days of purchase. Please comment if you need it urgently. ◇ Description ◇ A 4-hon-choshi flute is tuned a half-step x 4 notes lower than an 8-hon-choshi flute, resulting in a calm sound range closer to the human voice. Even songs with sharps (#) or flats (♭) at the beginning of the sheet music can be played smoothly by transposing them to C major, without using many half-steps. 【4-hon-choshi Natural Specification】 ○ Length: Approximately 51cm, Thickness: Approximately 20-22mm (near the mouthpiece) ○ Material: Shinotake (female bamboo) (dried for over 3 years, then heat-treated) ○ Holes: Inner surface coated with synthetic vermilion lacquer (cashew) ○ Outer surface: Coated with transparent synthetic lacquer (cashew) ○ Binding thread: Light brown 【4-hon-choshi Black Lacquer Specification】 ○ Length: Approximately 51cm, Thickness: Approximately 20-22mm (near the mouthpiece) ○ Material: Shinotake (female bamboo) (dried for over 3 years, then heat-treated) ○ Holes: Inner surface coated with synthetic vermilion lacquer (cashew) ○ Outer surface: Black synthetic lacquer (cashew) ○ Binding thread: Ivory 20g of lead is inserted inside the head of the tube for stability adjustment. Wood putty is used for the mouthpiece reflector to prevent melting in the summer heat. Transparent lacquer (cashew) is applied to the binding thread for beauty and durability. The tuning is based on the Western musical scale, tuned with a tuner to the second octave, allowing for ensemble playing and performance with other instruments. The Ro-on (1st octave), Ko-on (2nd octave), and Daiko-on (3rd octave) are also tuned to be produced by breath strength. ◇ Important Notes ◇ ※ Handmade. We offer these 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 product before shipping, but if there are any initial defects, please contact us "before" giving a review. We will promptly exchange the item. Returns and cancellations are not accepted. ※ The detailed photos from the second image onwards are taken to closely resemble the actual colors, but the colors may appear slightly different when viewed in person.