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, [...]
Shamisen Materials
Like buying any instrument, there are a few important factors to know in making an informed purchase. If this is your first time buying a shamisen, the information below will help you decide what shamisen materials are right for you. The quality of wood for the sao (neck) [...]
Styles of Shamisen
First, let’s learn about the three main sizes of shamisen and a few of the many styles associated with them. Note: The shamisen styles explained below are commonly used with a particular neck size, but please know that the styles don’t necessarily require specific sizes. For example, shamisen for [...]
Evaluating Chuko Shamisen (Used Shamisen)
Chuko Shamisen (Used Shamisen) It’s no secret that decent shamisen (and bachi) are pretty expensive. You may spend over 100,000 yen on a mid range shamisen without accessories. Why is it so expensive? It’s mainly because most retailers will add a 200% (or more) markup, making the retail price [...]
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 [...]