I received my Bell yesterday and I couldn’t be happier! Very well done sir! I was even able to get a sound out of it – though I wouldn’t call it playing yet. That will take some time. Thank you for giving people like me an opportunity to get a decent flute at an affordable price that we don’t need to worry about cracking! New England can be rough on wood. The lightning fast shipping was much appreciated as well [UPS]! Can’t wait to start tackling the honkyoku again. This time with an actual shakuhachi! Thank you!
Chris P., 2021
I LOVE the Bell! Firstly, it’s such a beautiful looking instrument – so closely resembling bamboo that it’s amazing! Secondly, it’s just such a joy to play. It feels easier and more natural to smoothly move straight into the Kan register and I can’t believe how much easier it is to hit meri and Dai meri notes. The harmonics seem much easier to hit as well. I had a really good play around with all sorts of pieces including my old favourite Tsuru no Sugomori, the folk song Kojo no Suki and some Jin Nyodo honkyoku. The great thing about it being easier to play is that I can focus on other aspects of my playing. I’m sure I’ll discover lots of other things to enjoy the more I play around. I’m sure I’ve only scratched the surface of this incredible instrument given I’ve only had it a couple of days.
Greg B., 2021
The Bell shakuhachi, here in my hands, has a special feeling
The feeling of the Attention with which it was made, the result of development on a path for long years
It carries a certain energy
I hold something that previously did not exist, a something from nothing, a vision come to life
The long-gone shakuhachi masters of old would be filled with wonder
Such an instrument, available to all
Something that might have died off over the centuries, a rare and precious form that became harder and harder to find and produce, is suddenly regenerated and multiplied
Incredible
S.J., 2021
I cannot thank you enough Jon! I understand all of the work you put into making your Bell Shakuhachi and also all of your other endeavors such as teaching, making bamboo Jinashi Shakuhachi and playing yourself! I really appreciate the Bell, it is simply amazing! It plays so well and sounds so perfect! It’s tuning is spot on too! I feel as though I’ve met my Shakuhachi soul mate! I may be in touch with you at some point for a sample lesson. You are an awesome person Jon, and you have created an amazing gift to the Shakuhachi world! Thanks again!!
Robert, 2020
I’m sure that you have become used to and maybe even have grown tired of hearing the following, but I have to give you my honest feedback.
This is the best shakuhachi I’ve ever played. It blows away all of the other flutes that I have with the exception of the 2.4 that I bought from you 11 or so years ago. The weight, the balance, the feel, the tone, the tuning, the way it responds is amazing! I would go as far to say that it is perfect. The analogy that comes to mind is I’ve been driving an old VW Beatle (all of my other shakuhachi) and I now am driving a Lamborghini (The Bell). It is a work of art. You are truly gifted and really “broke the mold” with this innovative invention.
As I picked it up and started playing I was totally transported to another world and after 45 minutes of nonstop playing, I was buzzing from playing such a beautiful instrument. I feel incredibly fortunate to own a Shakuhachi Bell. Thank you!
Stephen 2019
I have several bamboo 1.8 Jiari, one very high end by a well known maker. By far the Bell is my favorite and I used it for my performance at the Summer Solstice Flute Festival recently in Utah. Thanks again for such a wonderful instrument. Can’t wait to get another!
James 2019
Hi! I just received the bell! I like the sound better than the professional jiari I have! I’m looking forward to buying some professional flutes from you! I will start saving! My kid will be happy…and his flute sounds better than mine!
Rafael, who bought a Bell for his 9 year old son 2019
I have seven pieces of shakuhachi, six of them were made by Japanese master maker and one your Bell, to be honest, your Bell is my favorite, so I would like to try more different sizes of your shakuhachi. Many thanks
Xin 2019
I’m blown away. I’m sure you’ve heard that many times!
It looks and it feels like bamboo. I don’t know how you managed this. It plays in tune better than any other bamboo, wood, plastic or composite that I’ve ever bought. I’m still a beginner, even after 20 years of dipping in and out, but I keep coming back. The sound is lovely! Many thanks!! 🙂
Kenny 2019