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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Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mmSusudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm -
Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mmSusudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm -
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! -
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 -
Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle.…Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle. Height is 8.03mm -
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. -
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. -
Wider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mmWider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mm -
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! -
Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below…Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below for sound test video! -
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! -
Made in Sapporo, Japan, these Designer Koma adds an incredibly…Made in Sapporo, Japan, these Designer Koma adds an incredibly unique level of beauty to your shamisen! Each Designer Koma is one of a kind, and created with lots of personality. Please note, the main "feature" of Designer Koma is the artistic quality. The sound quality is very good, but not necessarily the best. With that being said, I've had a Designer Koma for years and enjoy it's sound quality, but I use it when I'm not concerned with the highest sound quality. I like it for it's shape! :-)