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.
-
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. -
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 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 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. -
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 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. -
Wider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mmWider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mm -
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 -
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. -
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! -
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!