Carrotmusic Model DS101 C Beginner Level Shinobue Japanese Bamboo Flute

For a beginner of the Shinobue, this instrument is great. It came exactly as advertised, is crafted well, doesn't smell badly and for what it is advertised as, fits the bill. It came with a cloth bag for the flute, in a box, wrapped snugly in protective wrapping. It also came with a finger chart, cute charm and a message about the business and what they're about - which was a nice gesture and shows the seller's customer focus.As someone who can't produce a darn sound out of the shakuhachi, I found the shinobue to be easy to get a fairly decent sound after looking up tutorials on flute playing online. The sound could be better, but of course this is a beginner flute and super cheap so better sound isn't to be expected anyway! The shape of the bamboo is consistent and the natural varnish(?) used smells quite pleasant. There was no damage/defects/cracks in the bamboo on arrival.Overall, I really like this product!

Have to concentrate on practicing on getting it right. I am having a bit of trouble understanding the finger chart that came with it, so it'll take some time for this ol' man to get it going. Tried the website of the supplier, but there wasn't really any help for me there either. But I think this is a rather well made instrument. I am gonna practice, practice, practice!

I purchased this flute some time ago. I am a beginner on shinobue but play other bamboo flutes quite well. The flute is difficult to play due to the finger hole placement.

This flute has a pleasing tone somewhat reminiscent of native American flutes. I can easily get over two octaves out of it. Like many small flutes, notes in that third octave can be a bit strident and are best used when the music is loud. The two lowest octaves are easy to play. Though it fingers like an Irish flute or penny whistle, the thumb hole is handy for "pinching" notes into the second octave, just like a recorder. Uncovering all the holes produces a C, but a better fingering for that note is thumb covered + 2nd through 6th finger holes covered + left index uncovered, which is a similar fingering to the 2nd octave D on a transverse Boehm flute. There is a right-hand pinky hole, and like many flutes, the all-fingers-down note can be hard to play, but with practice you can get it out and it sounds nice. The lowest note is an A, which means that there is not not an obvious B note between the A and the C at the bottom, but by shading (partially covering) the right pinky hole you can produce a low B to bridge the gap. Now that I finally understand the fingering, I can play it comfortably in the keys of C, F and G. I think that this flute is a great bargain for someone looking to add a diatonic wooden or bamboo flute to his collection. It plays an octave higher than the C transverse flute (like the descant recorder), but with the aforementioned bonus B and A notes at the bottom.

Truly a lovely & complete presentation: including a nice drawstring (breathable!) storage bag, and fingering chart with charming illustrations.Such a well-presented product, in fact, it rather pains me to make any negative comments.However! This being a musical instrument... a Shinobue, so therefore one expects it to do something other than look good. And that's where the problems begin.Upon examining the instrument I was immediately confused. This item presents itself as a hybrid instrument of sorts... perhaps a "Shino-Corder"? Why the hole in the back (as a recorder possesses?)I'm an experienced Shinobue-player who purchased this for a beginner I am to instruct.I've never seen an authentic Shinobue with such a (thumb)hole! If one studies the included fingering chart, you'll find no mention of said hole, nor how to utilize it in your playing.Furthermore, attempting to play with this hole covered results in one's thumb folding back to cover it (Western flute-style), thereby resulting in the jnability to maintain the traditional, PROPER Shinobue hand position. (Pls see my photos).Final Verdict: Item Returned due to incorrect fingering holes.Recommendation... Search Amazon ASIN: B00G3SE7SY for an authentic (beginner-intermediate level) instrument, which is actually used in-performance by Taiko drum groups. I ordered one (Key: “C”/8-Hon) w/expedited shipping direct from (Nagoya) Japan. One week later I now have a genuine, playable Shinobue for my student... and most importantly with proper fingering openings (NO underside recorder-type thumb hole) and a lovely tone.Thank you for reading,-CC; Amazon Prime Member-Reviewer

Love this flute ! I'm no expert in musical instruments and this is my first time using a Shinobue. Flute seems to be constructed well and is of good quality. Comes with a red pouch/bag and instructions on how to use it. I was able to play two different notes within first hour of receiving the flute. It is not easy to play, but then again practice makes perfect. Just gonna keep on trying to play the flute till I can hold a melody...

Good product, but, I do believe it is a little difficult for beginners.. if that wasn't in the description, I would have had no problem with a 5-star rating.. Peace.!

I had, maybe not high, but moderate hopes for this flute. But to put it simply, it' garbage. IT IS NOT EVEN IN THE KEY OF C. I worked with a flute player to try to get any note out of it that would work in the keys of C or D, but this would only play in the key of B-Major (which any musician would know contains 5 sharps (#). Not going to work. So it's an absolutely piece of rubbish and completely useless for us. DO NOT ORDER THIS ITEM. I own many wind instruments, cheap and not-cheap. This is beyond cheap. As stated, it barely plays 6 notes, and does so in the wrong key. Avoid this at all costs.