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 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 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. -
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. -
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! -
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 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 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! -
Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. Scroll below for sound…Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. 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! :-)