Everything you need to know about the Shamisen!
Shamisen Accessories: What you need for a basic setup
Getting a brand new shamisen and need accessories? Find out what you really need! It's common to think that the shamisen maker is the one who puts on the strings, koma (bridge) and other accessories before selling. While that's true for makers who sell their instruments direct to customers, [...]
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, [...]
About Elite Itomaki
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r-r-Tl4W0M The Spearhead of Expression For modern shamisen styles, the main point of impact for fashionable expression is the shining itomaki boldly displayed on the top of our shamisen. Whether a player is practicing at home or playing on stage, the itomaki are always the centerpiece of the [...]
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 [...]
Vintage Tone (Natural Skin)
Recently, huge shifts have been occurring in the shamisen manufacturing society as the use of a certain traditional material is unable to continue. While many shamisen players and makers bemoan this change, I think it is a pivotal moment for the future of shamisen. First, let’s set up some [...]