1. Only buy shakuhachi from people who have knowledge of shakuhachi music.

2. Acquaint yourself with the types of shakuhachi and the basics of the instrument. See my ME page here to read about these things (scroll down some past my customer reviews).

You can also ask the seller some simple questions:

• Do you or have you studied traditional shakuhachi music?
  

• How long did you study and who was your teacher?
  

• Did you play test this instrument with shakuhachi music?

• What type of shakuhachi music is this flute good for in your opinion?

• I am about ___ tall and my arms are ___ long. Can I physically play this flute?