Essentials

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.
  • Fujaku

    $10.00
    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.
  • 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.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • One set of strings for Nagauta style. Contains one silk…
    One set of strings for Nagauta style. Contains one silk Ichi no ito, one silk ni no ito, and one nylon san no ito.
  • Keep your skin protected with the adhesive bachigawa! (Note: Ideal…
    Keep your skin protected with the adhesive bachigawa! (Note: Ideal for natural skin. Doesn't adhere to Hibiki synthetic skin very well)
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  • This adhesive rubber pad is very useful. Attach it to…
    This adhesive rubber pad is very useful. Attach it to the lower corner of your dou in order to prevent the dou from sliding off your thigh!
  • Size Options 9cm x 16.5cm (Regular) – Normal size for…
    Size Options 9cm x 16.5cm (Regular) – Normal size for Tsugaru style. 7cm x 15cm (Trimmed) – Ideal if you have average size hands but tend to find tsugaru bachi unwieldy. 6cm x 13cm (Small) – Best for kids or small hands.
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  • Flex Options: Hard: This is very rigid, almost like Plastic…
    Flex Options: Hard: This is very rigid, almost like Plastic Bachi, or cheaper bekko bachi. Only choose this if you are accustomed to hard bachi and especially prefer it. Medium: This is a similar level to the Faux Bekko Bachi, as well as most bekko bachi available. Soft: This is ideal for beginners. (Flex level has no connection to skill level – many professional players use soft bachi) Soft bachi are comparable to high end bekko bachi, as very flexible shell are reserved for expensive bachi. (Hard/Medium bachi can be high end as well, but it’s much harder to find natural soft flex in the lower price ranges) The extra flex makes it very comfortable to get a satisfying percussive snap against the skin, and unlike stiffer bachi, it doesn’t get caught in the strings as much. Masahiro Nitta’s personal bachi has a similar flexibility as this, and it’s my favorite as well. Size options: (Length x Width) Large 167mm×93mm Medium 164mm×88mm Small 161mm×83mm
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  • This is the Tsugaru Ito Set (Fujiito). They are the…
    This is the Tsugaru Ito Set (Fujiito). They are the most common string used for shamisen. It’s considered to be average quality for ‘practice use’, but I use them for performance and nobody notices the difference!
  • Shamisen of Japan

    $39.00$69.00
    Shamisen of Japan teaches you how to professionally play and…
    Shamisen of Japan teaches you how to professionally play and make the Tsugaru Shamisen, simply and enjoyably! Shamisen of Japan is a valuable resource for both the beginner and the shamisen enthusiast! Ships from California.
    • Pages: 165
    • Size: 8½″×11″×½″
    • Binding: Paperback
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  • San no Ito (Fujiito) string. The thinnest string. Material –…
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  • The second string on the shamisen (which is the middle…
    The second string on the shamisen (which is the middle string). Fujiito brand - Tetron (synthetic).  
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  • I must admit, this is my absolute favorite koma. It’s…
    I must admit, this is my absolute favorite koma. It’s both great sounding and a gorgeous work of art. This koma is made from susudake (soot bamboo) and half bone top is expertly carved with three waves (or some might see fangs) curving downward. All of the bamboo/wood koma on Bachido sound great, but I particularly like this one for both it’s style and sound! Scroll below for sound test video!
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