What is this hybrid-looking flute?

May 14, 2023 3:47 PM

In this video (e.g., 52 seconds in) one of the instruments appears to be a regular transverse flute which is played straight, like a recorder or clarinet. Is there a name for this, or is this some kind of one-off modification?
posted by Rumple to Media & Arts (8 answers total)

The band's roster includes this guy who plays shakuhachi -- so, maybe it's a shakuhachi? Unless it's a historical near-relative?
posted by amtho at 4:07 PM on May 14, 2023

That does not look like a shakuhachi to me — they are generally made of wood.
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:57 PM on May 14, 2023

Best answer: Ok, I checked with a shakuhachi player, who said it looks like a flute with a shakuhachi mouthpiece attached.
posted by GenjiandProust at 6:04 PM on May 14, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Yep, looks like a standard western flute body with a custom-made shakuhachi headjoint, and I want one for myself.
posted by daisystomper at 7:55 PM on May 14, 2023 [2 favorites]

Best answer: Well, here it is for sale. More than I thought a whole flute cost though.
posted by amtho at 9:35 PM on May 14, 2023 [2 favorites]

Good one, amtho. A Shakulute. I'm a flute player and never seen or heard of these before. Pricey.
posted by rmmcclay at 9:40 PM on May 14, 2023 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks everyone!
posted by Rumple at 10:04 PM on May 14, 2023

I guess you'd need to add a thumbrest for the right thumb too, since the now-vertical flute isn't resting on your left index palm knuckle any more, and it's heavier and less grippy than a recorder.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 10:49 AM on May 15, 2023 [1 favorite]