Eight-hole shakuhachi

The eight-hole shakuhachi design addresses the limitations of conventional shakuhachis by incorporating seven front and one side sound holes, made from wood or plastic, to achieve a wider tone range and improved acoustic performance, reducing material degradation and enhancing playability.

JP3256515UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-09周一鸣

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Utility models
Current Assignee / Owner
周一鸣
Filing Date
2026-05-12
Publication Date
2026-07-09

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  • Figure 0003256515000001_ABST
    Figure 0003256515000001_ABST
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Abstract

We offer an eight-hole shakuhachi that expands the instrument's range, accurately covering the pitch range required by complex modern music, and significantly improving its playability and expressiveness. [Solution] The eight-hole shakuhachi of this invention comprises a tube body 100, with a head 200 connected to the front end of the tube body and a flared section 300 connected to the rear end. Seven front tone holes 400 are provided on the tube body. The first six front tone holes are arranged sequentially at equal intervals. The remaining one front tone hole is positioned near the flared section and is located on one side of the six front tone holes. Furthermore, an eighth tone hole is provided on the side of the tube body near the head, positioned opposite the first front tone hole. The tube body is made of either plastic, stainless steel, or wood. By providing seven front tone holes and one eighth tone hole, the total number of tone holes becomes eight, significantly expanding the effective range. Wood has excellent dimensional stability, suppresses the occurrence of cracks, and its high density enhances the sound wave reflection performance. Furthermore, combined with processing technology that allows for more precise shaping of the inner diameter, the resonance of the tone and acoustic characteristics are significantly improved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of ethnic musical instruments, and particularly relates to an eight-hole shakuhachi.

Background Art

[0002] The shakuhachi originated from traditional Chinese vertical flutes and is now widely inherited in Japan. Conventional shakuhachis mainly have a five-hole or six-hole structure, and due to the relatively limited range of tones, it was difficult to meet the wide range of tones and diversity of timbres required by modern complex musical pieces. To solve such technical problems, it is desired to provide an eight-hole shakuhachi with eight sound holes.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] The eight-hole shakuhachi of this invention is characterized by the following structure. It includes a tube body, with a head connected to the front end of the tube body and a flare portion connected to the rear end of the tube body. Along the longitudinal direction of the tube body, a total of seven front sound holes are provided. The first six front sound holes close to the head are sequentially arranged at equal intervals. The remaining one (the seventh) front sound hole is arranged at a position near the flare portion and is provided on one side of the six sound holes arranged in front. Furthermore, an eighth sound hole is provided. Furthermore, the eighth sound hole is located on the side surface near the head. Furthermore, the eighth sound hole is arranged at a position opposite to the first front sound hole. Furthermore, the tube body is formed of any one of plastic, stainless steel, or wood. Furthermore, a singing mouth is provided on the head.

[0004] This invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art. By incorporating seven front tone holes and one eighth tone hole, the total number of tone holes becomes eight, significantly expanding the effective range. Compared to conventional 5-hole and 6-hole shakuhachi, the instrument's range is wider, allowing it to accurately cover the pitch range required by complex modern music, greatly improving playability and expressiveness. Furthermore, while bamboo shakuhachi have the drawback of being prone to cracking, mold, and deformation, this invention innovatively uses wood. Wood has excellent dimensional stability, suppresses the occurrence of cracks, and its high density enhances sound wave reflection performance. In addition, combined with processing technology that allows for more precise shaping of the inner diameter, the resonance of the tone and acoustic characteristics are significantly improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an eight-hole shakuhachi according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a different viewpoint view of an eight-hole shakuhachi according to the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] The embodiments of this invention will now be described based on the drawings. As shown in the drawings, the eight-hole shakuhachi of this embodiment is equipped with a tube body 100. The tube body 100 is made of plastic, which is lightweight, low-cost, and highly resistant to deformation, making it suitable for daily practice. The overall dimensions of the tube body 100 are based on an ergonomic design, making it easy to hold and play. The front end of the tube 100 is fitted with a integrally molded head 200, and the head 200 is fitted with a mouthpiece 600. The design of the mouthpiece 600 allows for smooth airflow into the inside of the tube 100. The improved shape of the mouthpiece 600 reduces airflow loss, reducing the effort required to play and improving the richness and stability of the tone. The rear end of the tube 100 is fitted with a flared section 300 by screw connection. The flared section 300 is made of the same plastic material as the tube 100 and plays a role in amplifying the tone and strengthening resonance.

[0007] In this embodiment, an external cut structural design is adopted, and the geometric parameters of the mouthpiece 600 have been particularly improved. By increasing the depth and width of the cut surface of the mouthpiece 600, the cross-sectional area of ​​the mouthpiece is significantly increased. This design effectively reduces blowing resistance and greatly increases airflow and airflow velocity. As a result, the performer can obtain an extremely powerful dynamic range and play both explosive loud sounds (forte) and delicate soft sounds (pianissimo) with ease. Furthermore, the enlarged airflow passage greatly increases the possibility of excitation of the harmonic series, enabling a wide range of expression in tone color, from ethereal to rich and deep. The body 100 has seven front tone holes 400 along its longitudinal direction. The first six front tone holes 400, closest to the head 200, are arranged sequentially at equal intervals. The remaining (seventh) front tone hole 400 is positioned closer to the flared section 300 and is located on one side of the six front tone holes. This arrangement avoids interference with other tone holes and optimizes the continuity of the pitch range. The body 100 is further provided with an eighth tone hole 500. The eighth tone hole 500 is located on the side closer to the head 200, opposite the first front tone hole 400, that is, on the opposite side from where the front tone holes 400 are arranged. By effectively utilizing the circumferential space of the body 100 in this way, interference between fingers when covering the tone holes is prevented, the airflow transmission path is optimized, and consistency of tone is maintained. [Explanation of symbols]

[0008] 100 tubular body 200 heads 300 flare section 400 front sound hole 500 8th tone hole 600 Utaguchi

Claims

1. It is an eight-hole shakuhachi, Equipped with a tubular body (100), The head (200) is connected to the front end of the tube (100), A flared portion (300) is connected to the rear end of the aforementioned pipe body (100). Seven front tone holes (400) are provided along the longitudinal direction of the tube body (100). The first six front tone holes (400) near the head (200) are arranged sequentially at equal intervals. The remaining front tone hole (400) is positioned closer to the flared section (300) and is located on one side of the six tone holes lined up at the front. An eight-hole shakuhachi, characterized in that the tube body (100) is provided with an eighth tone hole (500).

2. The eighth tone hole (500) is located on the side closer to the head (200), as described in claim 1.

3. The eight-hole shakuhachi according to claim 2, characterized in that the eighth tone hole (500) is positioned opposite the first front tone hole (400).

4. The eight-hole shakuhachi according to claim 1, characterized in that the tube (100) is made of any of the following materials: plastic, stainless steel, or wood.

5. The eight-hole shakuhachi according to claim 1, characterized in that a mouthpiece (600) is provided on the head portion (200).