rss feedMaking shakuhachi with nakatsuki
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The first steps
Use pencil marks to mark where the bamboo will be cut. A possible percentage for top to bottom parts is 53.2% to 46.8%. Always protect the outside of the bamboo with tape in case the saw slips. I begin hollowing out the top end of the shakuhachi for the insert. This enables me to line up the top and bottom ends using the Mejiro joint-forming tool.
Hollowing out the joint
Keep information about the length of the middle joint in the top and bottom of the shakuhachi before hollowing out the area for the insert. I use a variety of tools to create a smooth and accurate fit for the middle joint and not to strain the bamboo.
Tools for hollowing out the bamboo for the insert.
Preparing the insert
I always mark the top (上) and bottom (下) parts of the insert with the Japanese symbols. The key technique for making the joint is to cut off a small approximately 3mm insert for the top of the shakuhachi. This is to allow a smooth transition between top and bottom parts. Sand down the inside of the middle joint insert to the ideal taper before inserting and before cutting off the small insert. Also note that the upper part of the top insert is marked (before cutting off the smaller insert!) and a line made to line up the top and bottom inserts.
The top and bottom of the bamboo with top and bottom inserts.
Inserting the joint
I lacquer the inside with a base coat of urushi before beginning the insertion process. Common wood glue can be used for the middle joint and top insert. Several coats of black or red lacquer is added to the inside and outside of the joint to create a good but not tight fit. The coat of lacquer must be as thin as possible using a special brush. The application of the lacquer at first looks uneven but this magically disappears in seconds. Don't forget to use some grease so the parts will easy come apart.
Decorating the nakatsuki
The outside surface of the middle joint can contains silver, gold or plastic rings. I prefer to use just rattan or some type of tree bark. Both top and bottom are sanded down together so they will align. A small groove is created in the middle for a tight binding using special string or monofilament line. A coat of 'clear' lacquer is put over the binding.
Binding using rattan and tree bark.
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