Koma (Bridge)
The most necessary accessory to the shamisen, besides the shamisen itself. The koma is a bridge which, like all stringed instruments, transfers vibrations from the string to the skin, producing sound which you can hear. Although there are many styles of koma to choose from, know that one is not better than another. Feel free to choose any koma you are attracted to, and it will be a good choice!
Watch how to insert the koma.
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This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bone-tipped saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. -
This koma is made entirely of bamboo (Madake). While it…This koma is made entirely of bamboo (Madake). While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. -
This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bone-tipped saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. -
Bamboo Koma with Acrylic saddle. Height is 8.13mmBamboo Koma with Acrylic saddle. Height is 8.13mm -
This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bekko saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. -
This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bone saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. -
Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is…Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is 7.88mm -
Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. Scroll below for sound…Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. Scroll below for sound test video! -
This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like…This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like shape, and has a half bone saddle. Dimensions: Height: 7.53mm -
This koma is made with a Kouki base and a…This koma is made with a Kouki base and a bone saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. Scroll below for sound test video! -
Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below…Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below for sound test video! -
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! -
Wider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mmWider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mm -
This is a full plastic koma with a height and…This is a full plastic koma with a height and shape typical for nagauta style. Note: Plastic koma are known for not sounding as good as koma made from bamboo, kouki, or anything else. We're offering it for those who specifically require it for nagauta style, but if you aren't formally pursuing that style, I'd highly recommend choosing any other koma. -
This is the cheapest koma available, both in price and…This is the cheapest koma available, both in price and quality. It's okay if it's all you can afford, but the tone and strength of koma made with bamboo or wood (or anything other than plastic koma) are far superior, and worth the extra cost. -
Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle.…Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle. Height is 8.03mm -
According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and…According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and extra dry. Height: 6.73mm -
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. -
Prepare for extra-awesome! Compared to the regular Shinobi Koma, the…Prepare for extra-awesome! Compared to the regular Shinobi Koma, the Shinobi Koma - Deluxe is loaded with extra features! -
This Shinobi Koma - Kobashiki is the best Shinobi Koma…This Shinobi Koma - Kobashiki is the best Shinobi Koma available. -
Snakewood base with half bekko saddle. Height is 6.35mm Please be…Snakewood base with half bekko saddle. Height is 6.35mm Please be careful with handling, as snakewood can be brittle! -
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! -
Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mmSusudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm -
Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mmSusudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm