1. Skin (kawa)
If the skin is intact, take a close look at [...]
6. Accessories (komono)
Often, the price of chuko shamisen is determined by the [...]
5. Wood quality
Finally, the quality of the wood determines the price. There [...]
4. Headpiece (tenjin)
Sometimes the tenjin of a high quality shamisen is separated [...]
3. Tuning Pegs (itomaki)
Often, tuning pegs of older shamisen are worn down and [...]
2. Neck (sao)
When three piece necks are assembled, the joints must fit [...]
1. Skin (kawa)
The skin is the biggest factor in setting the price. [...]
Fingernail notch
Pressing the string with the tip of your fingernail [...]
Wiping down
At the end of every playing session, wipe down [...]
Inserting the Koma
Lift up all three strings when inserting the koma. [...]