While there are lots of great accessories to enhance your shamisen experience, the items in Essentials are the most important for making your shamisen playable. If you’re getting a new shamisen and it doesn’t include accessories, you will definitely want to check out Essentials and get one Koma, one Bachi, one Neo, an Ito Set Pack, and a Yubikake. Also, a Doukake, Dou Gomu, and Fujaku are highly recommended. (links to all) It’s also worth checking out categories like “Cases and Fukuro” and “Scorebooks and Media” to enhance your experience, but it’s not required.
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The third string on the shamisen (which is the thinnest…The third string on the shamisen (which is the thinnest string). Gintsuki brand. Can be used for Nagauta style and Jiuta style (and technically Tsugaru style as well, but note that the aggressive style might break the silk strings quickly). Sold as a pack of five silk strings.
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The adhesive position mark strip which shows the position locations…The adhesive position mark strip which shows the position locations for playing melodies from notation. Simply match the number shown in your notation with the number on the fujaku, press the string on that number, and enjoy! An truly invaluable accessory for beginners.
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This desiccant pouch is meant to remove moisture from the…This desiccant pouch is meant to remove moisture from the Manyo sheet (which in turn is meant to remove moisture from the natural skin on shamisen) once it becomes saturated with moisture. To use, put both the "Manyo Desiccant Pouch" and “Manyo: Advanced Moisture Control” sheet inside a plastic bag in order for the pouch to effectively remove moisture from the sheet.
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The third string on the shamisen (which is the thinnest…The third string on the shamisen (which is the thinnest string). Gokujo brand. Can be used for Nagauta style and Jiuta style (and technically Tsugaru style as well, but note that the aggressive style might break the silk strings quickly). Sold as a pack of five silk strings.
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Neighbors keeping your sound levels down? Desperately wanting to play…Neighbors keeping your sound levels down? Desperately wanting to play shamisen now but still recovering from that hangover? The shinobi koma (Stealth Bridge) is made for you! Replacing your normal koma with the Shinobi Koma will lower the sound level tremendously.
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The Yubikake is a tightly knit sleeve (made by machine)…The Yubikake is a tightly knit sleeve (made by machine) which is fitted over the index finger and thumb. When playing shamisen, the friction of your skin rubs against the neck, making it hard to play. The Yubikake adds a layer between your hand and the neck, reducing friction and making playing much easier.
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Want a little extra personality on your fingerpants? These handmade…Want a little extra personality on your fingerpants? These handmade in Japan yubikake feature a decorative ornament on the finger loop. The ornament doesn't directly improve sound quality, but my friends (yes, I do have them!) tell me it looks super cute!