OrientalMusicSanctuary Professional Double Jointed (3 Section) Purple Bamboo Dong Xiao - Chinese Shakuhachi Xiao Flute (Right Handed, Key of G)

To date, this has been the best experience with a vendor. I had contacted the seller for something that turned out to not be an issue. He then provided me with a brief history of the instrument and tricks to begin playing. Afterwards, he sent specific fingering charts and multiple links to help me pick up on how to switch over to this beautiful sounding Xiao. Due to this in a few hours, was able to have repeated successes and got a chance to preview the wonderful tones of this very challenging instrument. I am not sure which I am more satisfied with, the Xiao or the service and additional information. Definitely a great buy for the sound and value. However, the immediate response and after sale service made this a six-star purchase for going beyond and providing a strong introduction to a next level type of instrument. I don't know if the links are just the craftsman's research or if the seller researched relevant information for a primer, either way, it is much appreciated.I have access to multiple professional musicians that play a wide assortment of woodwinds and brass, I was not concerned about this being the most challenging Key to start with as I have banked favors owed. I would recommend starting with a Key that is entry level as there is some precision in embouchure, that is going to make learning circular breathing look like a walk in the park. That said I love the deep tone of this G and am willing to work several years until practice allows me to play more than a few notes and be able to communicate a sound I love.Oriental Music Sanctuary: Thank you.

Pretty good for the price! I’m wondering for people commented it as “ unplayable”, Is in fact a musical technique problem. unlike other bamboo flute I brought here in the US, it requires some technique to make a sound out of this flute. I’d suggest you practice/blow on an empty beer bottle before buying this one!

I knew I had problems with my national post services, so... the items were in delay and, since I also ordered a book at almost the same time, I feared I'll lose the flute. I wrote a message to the supplier and they answered in no time at all, from their mobile phone, giving me the tracking number of the package and telling me it was delivered, so I needed to check with my post; and, indeed! it was the fault of my national post service. A perfect communication with the suppliers, in the first place! Then, I received the package in perfect conditions. Now, about the instrument, I am not a professional, but I absolutely LOOOOVE it!!! Beautifully crafted, very good sound... couldn't ask for more, and the price was just irresistible. Thank you so much! I am so happy with this Xiao flute!

I am an experienced recorder and penny whistle player, but completely new to Asian flutes. Since getting this one and finding it nothing like any Shakuhachi in any training video, I did more research. The Xiao (which is what this is) is a Chinese instrument, 2000 years old. The Shakuhachi is Japanese and about 700 years NEWER and CAME FROM the Xiao. A Xiao was never a Shakuhachi, but a Shakuhachi is a form of Xiao. This most definitely is not a Shakuhachi and yet its advertised as one!After watching a number of videos and playing a Shakuhachi decades ago in a shop (didn't have the money at the time) I still want a Shakuhachi and NOT a Xiao! FALSE ADVERTISING!!!Another giveaway was that the bold red tassel on the case was Chinese, which was a bit of a surprise, expecting a Japanese instrument.Additionally, they stuck the glue strip from a FedEx bag directly on the case! I had to use solvents to get it off!!! And there's still residue on it! That, and the two FedEx bags they wrapped it in were then taped up tightly with shipping tape! Getting them off without cutting the case was a real challenge!

Took a bit to arrive but well packed and worth the wait- this is a lovely instrument with a sweet, resonant tone. Having never played one, or any other woodwind with this type of embouchure before, it was a bit of a challenge to get a sound out of it at first, but resolved with 5-10mins of experimentation. Features perfectly aligned, sturdy brass fittings, bag and snug case. Honestly, an incredible value and far better than the student grade instrument I was expecting.

Not sure need to learn how to play

Got this as my first flute, and very happy with it. Beautiful material, and no leakage from the fittings at all. Very fun to play with wonderful tone. And, because it's so light, it's easy to just pick up and practice whenever there's down time.

The flute holes are little uncomfortable with the hand placements but that’s a gamble which is different for everybody. The sound was nice and it is well constructed. Unfortunately, it does not agree with the dryness of the Rocky Mountains and within a week cracked along the holes making it unplayable. It did sound good up until that point.