Everything you need to know about the Shamisen!
How to Install Your New Elite Itomaki
Fun Fact: Itomaki are NOT Plug & Play Itomaki are held in place with friction, and the key to a tight fit is achieving a correct taper so the peg contacts the zagane (metal fitting) just enough. Too much contact, the itomaki is impossible to turn. Too little contact, [...]
The Birth of Tsugaru
(Taken from the book Shamisen of Japan) The Tsugaru style of shamisen is said to have been created by goze, blind female musicians who belonged to a guild and traveled widely, singing epic poems and popular songs of the time accompanied with the shamisen. However, blind men [...]
Brief History of the Shamisen
History of the Shamisen (Taken from the book Shamisen of Japan) This is a brief, rudimentary history of the shamisen which will, at the very least, allow you to sound smart at a drunk party. The shamisen had many forms before it arrived to Japan, though it’s unclear [...]
Make Your Own Kamigoma!
The standard kamigoma (metal nut) is a thin piece of brass (or such material) set under the two thinner strings to make them resonate clearly. If you have acquired an old shamisen through Ebay or family, there’s a chance it’s missing the kamigoma. This often occurs because the old [...]
Shaping Your Bachi Handle
The bachi is the most important part of the shamisen. To safely execute solid bachi technique, you should have a bachi that fits your hand comfortably without struggle. Of course, the bachi is initially awkward to use, but once you get accustomed to it, it should feel comfortable. If [...]