Description
When Bachido released the Eclipse in 2016, I thought we had created one of the most beautiful shamisen in the world. Is it even possible to make another shamisen better than the Eclipse? Well guess what, it is!
Built by the makers of Eclipse, our friends at Tokyo Wagakki brings mastery from their 120 year history to present you with another spectacular masterpiece!
Akatsuki (‘Dawning’ in English) continues the legacy of the Eclipse shamisen, bringing new advances in tone and playability that accentuates the shamisen’s beauty.
Specifications
- Dou: Karin (High Grade) Size 5 (Tsugaru)
- Sao: Karin – Highest Grade (Tochi Tiger Stripe), Darkened with red urushi
Special Feature: Sao topped with solid, high grade kouki
- Sao Size: Chuzao (28.5mm wide) or Futozao (30mm wide) – Mitsuori (three-piece neck)
- Sao Shape: ‘U’ Style, ‘V’ Style
- Tenjin: Ogi Cut, Eclipse Style – Kouki extends from sao to tenjin.
- Itomaki: Nejiri (twisted) / Kouki wood joined with rosewood
- Skin: or
- Hardware: Azuma Sawari, Rindo, Zagane, and Kamigoma
- Accessories not included
Special Features
Ogi Cut (Fan cut)
One unique feature of the Akatsuki is focused on the Chibukuro, the area where the sao (neck) connected into the tenjin (headpiece). The Chibukuro typically has a convex curve. In the past, this convex curve possibly provided extra strength to the joint. Nowadays, the joint is so strong, the extra wood doesn’t serve much purpose. In fact, the extra mass can look and feel cumbersome, especially when playing position ‘1’.
We want full freedom while we’re playing shamisen, so the Ogi Cut (fan cut) has been developed. The Chibukuro is skillfully trimmed. Sleek and convexly curved, this slimmer Chibukuro is incredibly beautiful and allows us to be fully mobile as we play.
Two Sao Style Options
‘U’ Style
This is the standard shape of the sao. You will find this style on almost all shamisen. The base of the sao has a broader curve, so it fits comfortably in most hands. Because it can feel thick for some, we recommend a Chuzao size (28.5mm wide) for this style.
If you are purchasing the Akatsuki as your first shamisen, the standard ‘U’ Style would be safest choice.
‘V’ Style
If you’re like me, you’ll notice the base of a futozao (30mm wide) can feel too thick. Even though the wide fingerboard is easy to play, the thick shape feels unnecessarily big. Because of this, I (Kyle Abbott) have designed the ‘V’ Style sao. (Note: the Akatsuki displayed on this page has the ‘V’ Style)
This base of the ‘V’ Style sao is greatly reduced, making the sao feel much thinner while still providing a full futozao width (30mm). The careful shaping of the sao brings out a subtle edge along the base. This is a very unique style, ideal for experienced players who want to fine-tune their playing experience.
Comparing Akatsuki & Eclipse
Find out what separates the 2017 Akatsuki from the 2016 Eclipse.
As you can see, there are several similarities between the two shamisen. We have brought the features we love most about the Eclipse and incorporated them in with the incredible new unique advances of the Akatsuki. Because the Toguchi Karin, Ripple, and master craftsman are the same, you can read more about them on the Eclipse page.
Kyle’s Experience
When I pulled the Akatsuki from it’s box for the first time, I felt an instant sense of awe. I stared at the beautiful tenjin for what felt like hours, marveling in it’s every perfect curve and edge. This sensation continues as I play it. The Akatsuki’s tone is clear and the resonance is deep. When first playing the Akatsuki, I literally struck notes slowly so I could close my eyes and savor the pure resonance from the Akatsuki.
It should be mentioned that being used to a standard ‘U’ Style sao, it took me a short time to adapt to the new ‘V’ Style. Within 10 minutes, my hand loved the new size! It’s a real treat to enjoy a full futozao width on the fingerboard while having the comfort of a slimmer base!
Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to see a shamisen more stunning than the Eclipse. Once again, the master craftsman at Tokyo Wagakki have shown their prowess and abilities by bringing the bond of beauty and functionality to new levels.
Optional Add-on: Ayasugi
Ayasugi is a beautiful and intricate herring bone pattern carved inside the dou. Historically, it was only reserved for the most expensive shamisen as a fine detail to turn the instrument into a complete work of art. Later, it became perceived as a feature to improve or change sound quality, a misconception which I believe was started by a craftsman trying to encourage players to buy their most expensive instruments. Initially I didn’t offer any shamisen with ayasugi as a matter of principle, because I felt it was wrong to offer something which was deceptively promoted as a “sound quality enhancer.” However, more recently I’ve come to appreciate ayasugi simply for how it turns the shamisen into a full visual masterpiece, and am now offering it on all new shamisen at Bachido! If you love the Ayasugi pattern as much as I do (a lot!), add it to your Raven to increase the level of Stunning!
Standard Dou (Left), Ayasugi Carving (Right)
Optional Add-on: Non-Slip Itomaki Upgrade
Now available for all new shamisen made by Tokyo Wagakki! Standard itomaki are basically friction pegs, and players must occasionally push the itomaki inwards while twisting to reset the tight grip. A common frustration with shamisen is the itomaki can slip loosen if a player forgets to tighten, or if the pegs aren’t fitted perfectly. To remedy this, Tokyo Wagakki makes and installs special hardware into the ends of the itomaki, which keeps the itomaki tight and turning smoothly without any effort. Please watch the video above for in-depth installation instructions!
Custom Options
Would you like the itomaki in a different color, shape, or material? Or perhaps a different wood or size? Each shamisen is made to order direct from Tokyo Wagakki, so we can easily accept custom requests! Please send your Custom Raven requests to me via the Contact Us page and let’s have a fun chat about the options available!
Note: Each shamisen is built per order. Please allow 9 to 11 weeks for construction
Special Bonus!
To help you get started with your brand-new Akatsuki, I am including several learning materials for free!
- Bachido Shamisen Crash Course
- Premium Shamisen Course: Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (Kyu)
- Premium Shamisen Course: Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (Shin)
- Premium Shamisen Course: The Nitta Ryu Intensive Technique Pack
- Premium Shamisen Course: Advanced Kamashi
Note: A Bachido membership (free) is required to access the courses.
