Bachi (Plectrum)

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!

  • Made out of clear acrylic and looks very stylish. Perfect…
    Made out of clear acrylic and looks very stylish. Perfect for that clean look in your performance.
  • Made out of clear acrylic with a colored tint.
    Made out of clear acrylic with a colored tint.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • 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.
  • 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 classic Faux Bekko Bachi. Features a similar flexibility as…
    The classic Faux Bekko Bachi. Features a similar flexibility as natural shell while being 100% synthetic.
  • 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 Lacewood handle secured to a flexible Black Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 73g Length: 174mm 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 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
  • 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
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
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