Oiling the outside of the shakuhachi A point of debate among players and makers of shakuhachi is whether or not the outside of a shakuhachi should be oiled at all. Some think that if a flute is going to crack, it will, regardless of applications of oil. Our feeling is that oiling cannot hurt a shakuhachi, and may even be beneficial (see post script below).
In the beginning, the shakuhachi could be smeared very lightly with oil every week or two. Try putting a few drops of oil onto your hands then rubbing the flute all over, taking special care to cover the areas between the joints near the root end.
What oil? Any vegetable oil is suitable.
It is important to wipe off any excess oil, especially if the shakuhachi is to be stored for any length of time.
After a year or so, oiling could be done about every month.
Some players like the flute to darken with age. This effect may be enhanced by rubbing oil from your skin (face) onto the flute. So either rub the flute directly over your face or rub your face with your hands, then run them over the shakuhachi.
Cleaning the inside bore of the shakuhachi
Dry the bore after playing using a cleaning cloth (tsuyutõshi). These can be purchased or you can make your own. If you are having trouble tying the string to the cloth, see a way of doing that by clicking here. Sometimes the inside of flute can give off an unpleasant smell. Placing a few drops of eucalyptus or Tea Tree oil on the cleaning cloth and running it through the bore can remedy this.
Daily storage of the shakuhachi
Put the flute into a long plastic bag after use. If you live in a very dry climate, blow into the bag first to provide a little moisture, then put the flute in and seal it by folding over the plastic and using an elastic band. If you will not be using the flute for some time, maybe put a small piece of moistened cotton wool in the bag with the flute (be very careful with this - not too much moisture!).
Lubricating the joint
The joint should be regularly lubricated with cork grease, etc, otherwise the lacquer or paint will wear and the joint will rather quickly become loose.
A FEW TIPS
If a crack should occur, then place in a plastic bag with a moistened cotton wool piece and return to the maker immediately for repair. Even major cracking can be remedied, so don't worry, but seek immediate advice.
Melbourne has a relatively dry climate but I have never had any shakuhachi crack seriously. This is despite a rather tardy approach to maintenance. My feeling is that regular oiling of the flute is the most important of all flute care measures.
© 2003 Andrew MacGregor
POSTSCRIPT
After reading much information and discussion on this subject since 2003, some of which is purports to be scientific debate, I stopped oiling my shakuhachi. Over the past 2-3 years my precious flutes have been cracking, one after another. At first I thought this might be coincidence or a result of the extended Melbourne 'drought'. But now I am quite convinced that the regular light oiling had been beneficial.
Another conclusion is to NEVER artificially, suddenly, increase the moisture content of the bamboo by placing water or wet objects into the protective plastic bag. Just blowing into the bag each time before storing is enough. And always play your shakuhachi as often as possible.
October 2008