How to Make a 2.2 PVC Shakuhachi
The shakuhachi is a traditional end-blown Japanese flute, usually made of bamboo. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride pipe, or uPVC pipe, may not be as romantic, but it definitely saves a lot of work. You don't have to bore out any internal nodes like you do with bamboo, and uPVC is much easier to drill without splitting. In fact, 63 mm (2 1/2 inch) class 3 uPVC has a 2.2 mm wall thickness, which will give your shakuhachi a mellow, rich sound.
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Things You'll Need
- 21 1/2 inch long piece of 2 1/2 inch class 3 uPVC pipe, cut from pipe's collar end
- Dry-erase marker
- Straight edge
- Round needle file
- Drafting compass
- Tape measure
- Hand drill with 3/8-inch bit
Instructions
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1
Draw a straight line along the pipe using a dry-erase marker and a straight edge; the line should be at a 90-degree angle to the bottom (collar) end of the pipe.
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2
Sand the top front of the pipe back at a 30-degree angle from the front of the pipe. Do this by placing a sheet of sandpaper flat on a table and holding the front top edge of the pipe (the place where the center line meets the top of the pipe) down to the sandpaper at about a 30-degree angle to the table. Rub the pipe on the sandpaper until the bottom edge of the slant is 3/16 inch down from the top of the pipe. Use the compass to check your angle from time to time.
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3
Mark a line on the back of the flute, 3/8 inch down from the top. Sand an angle from the top front of the pipe down to this mark. Sand all the edges on this back angle smooth.
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4
In the center of the top edge of the front slant, file a semicircular notch 1/2 inch across and 1/8 inch deep.
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5
Drill the lowest finger hole in the center line, 4 3/4 inch up from the bottom of the pipe. Then drill four additional holes above the first, each spaced 2 5/32 inches apart.
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6
Enlarge the bottom two holes and the top hole to a diameter of 7/16 inch, using a round needle file.
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7
Drill a hole in the back of the pipe, opposite the center line, 12 19/32 inches from the bottom.
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8
Erase the dry-erase line on the front of the pipe.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Make sure all edges are smooth before you play your shakuhachi. Rough edges can cause scrapes and cuts and PVC dust and fragments are harmful if inhaled.
