Bamboo
Saxophones: Philipus' musical instruments are unique
KOTA KINABALU: IT took Philipus Jani 13 years to fine-tune
his saxophone made from bamboo. These days, he can make
one in five days.
The 44-year-old multitalented Dusun from Tambunan has now sold 70 bamboo
saxophones around the world and has made a profit of over RM100,000."I only produce the instrument upon request and many have placed their orders from Japan, Australia, the Netherlands and also locally.
"Although the saxophone is my main focus, I also make other instruments from bamboo such as violins, flutes and guitars," said Philipus, who also earns his living as a musician and handicraft maker.
Music comes naturally to Philipus -- he plays by ear and has never attended any musical lessons.
"I didn't know how to play a saxophone then. One day, I borrowed one from a friend but after a week I had to return it. Later I kept thinking about the instrument. It was like falling in love at first sight."
Because Philipus could not afford to buy a saxophone, he decided to make one using a type of bamboo known as rugading, which is sturdy and light.
"I never once gave up during that 13 years. It was annoying but I eventually got the right sound by 2006. Now, it takes me five days.
"My saxophone has brought me to places I've never dreamt of going to. I have been to peninsular Malaysia and many more places. I have performed in Japan."
Philipus said buyers from other countries would personally fly over to meet him at his small workshop at home.
Sometimes, he plays at a hotel lounge and at corporate events.
The humble craftsman is still holding on to his first bamboo saxophone.
Philipus' next dream is to make a piano from bamboo.
Philipus Jani playing his bamboo saxophone during
the recent Sabah Fest 2012 at the Sabah National Arts and Culture Complex in
Kota Kinabalu. Pic by Edmund Samunting
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