• looks like bamboo
• robust construction
• sounds amazingly good
• perfectly in tune
• breaks into two pieces for easy carrying and storage
• available in either standard five-hole or seven-hole configurations
• AU$15 postage anywhere in the world

"What a surprising instrument is the "Yuu" shakuhachi.
Robust plastic, moulded into the form of a bamboo root-end, it certainly looks the part. But the most pleasing aspect is the tremendous sound; so clear and responsive. I would have no hesitation in using the shakuhachi "Yuu" in a performance at any level. It is a must for beginners, and at such a reasonable price, as a "second" flute for experienced shakuhachi players, professionals and teachers" ....................................Andrew MacGregor

5-hole or 7-hole shakuhachi?
The recommended flute for beginners, the five-hole shakuhachi is the "standard" form used by the vast majority of players and schools. All notes on the chromatic scale can be achieved with the exception being the high (dai kan) F (F6) which is not achievable.

Seven-hole shakuhachi is a modern form allowing easy playing of the commonly used notes E-flat and B-flat. It is mostly used for contemporary compositions althought some preeminent shakuhachi players use this configuration even to play the honkyoku (Zen repertoire) and other traditional music. More often players will use the 5-hole shakuhachi for traditional music (the 2 extra holes may be covered with either fingers or tape) reserving the use of the extra holes for contemporary works. The 7-hole shakuhachi can achieve the note F6. It is becoming quite common for contemporary music to be written especially for the 7-hole shakuhachi.