Commonly mistaken for a putty knife, the bachi is the plectrum for the shamisen. Choosing the right bachi for you is just as important as the shamisen, as it greatly affects your playing experience. What’s the most important factor in choosing a bachi? Flexibility.
Flexibility changes your playing experience the most. When you hold the bachi, you strike the strings with the tip. When there is flexibility, the tip will bend, which makes striking the string feel smoother. If it is really hard, it will feel like the tip is getting caught in the strings. A good rule of thumb is that more flexibility is better. However, higher flexibility means that it may break more easily. Knowing that, please consider your budget as well as your desired experience.
About Bekkou Bachi
Bekkou bachi are bachi made from tortoise shell, commonly used in Japan. Bekkou is favored for it’s flexibility and tradition. However, production of these bachi is decreasing, due to limited availability (endangerment) of materials. They are still sold in Japan, but thanks to developments in synthetics, newer synthetic bachi (like Pantera or Neoko) are almost identical to real shell. Happy tortoises!
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Want to represent Bachido on your wooden bachi? Now you…Want to represent Bachido on your wooden bachi? Now you can! This is a standard Wooden Bachi (Oak) with the Bachido logo laser-cut into the handle. Sexy time! -
Ironically, although the plastic bachi is the most affordable bachi…Ironically, although the plastic bachi is the most affordable bachi available, it isn't the easiest for beginners due to it's extreme hardness. That being said, it is usable and better than nothing! -
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. -
Enjoy a higher strata of elegance with this Premium Wooden…Enjoy a higher strata of elegance with this Premium Wooden Bachi made by Nitta san’s friends of his Sapporo music group Ezon! The handle has a Marquetry-style inlay which brightens your bachi with an artsy brilliance! -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a highly figured Maple handle secured to a flexible Blue Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 55g Length: 173mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 22mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 11mm -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a figured Marblewood handle secured to a flexible Orange Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 68g Length: 174mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 20mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 10mm -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a figured Jarrah handle secured to a flexible Clear Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 45g Length: 174mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 17mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 6mm -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a figured Walnut handle secured to a flexible Blue Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 63g Length: 192mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 22mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 10mm -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a Cocobolo handle secured to a flexible Clear Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 97g Length: 192mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 26mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 13mm -
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a Cocobolo handle secured to a flexible Clear Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 63g Length: 174mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 19mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 8mm -
The weight and balance of this bachi can be customized…The weight and balance of this bachi can be customized to your personal preference! -
Unleash the Wow Factor with this dazzling LED Acrylic Bachi!…Unleash the Wow Factor with this dazzling LED Acrylic Bachi! Similar to the Adjustable Weight model, this Bachi radiates brilliance with an integrated LED light, adjustable at a button's press. Equipped with four 5g weights for balance customization and an acrylic blade etched with Wave and Sakura designs. To switch blades, unscrew and separate the handle. The LED Bachi has a slightly thicker handle due to the light source. It weighs 100g, with a 170mm length, 25mm base handle width/depth, and a 94mm blade width.