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  • This set includes all of the basic essential items required…
    This set includes all of the basic essential items required to set up a Tsugaru Shamisen. It is comprised of the most affordable accessories we have, just as an option for people who aren't sure what they need, don't care about item colors, and just want to start playing right away. If you're able to, I highly recommend curating your own set, as you will certainly have a better playing experience by investing in a higher quality bachi (plectrum) or koma (bridge). Please note, there's a difference between "Tsugaru" as a playing style and "Tsugaru Shamisen" as an instrument. While you can play tsugaru style on any shamisen, Only Tsugaru Shamisen can fit Tsugaru Shamisen accessories (Tsugaru Doukake - the arm cover - won't fit on Nagauta Shamisen, for example) If you aren't sure if your shamisen is a Tsugaru Shamisen, please feel free to send a picture of your shamisen to store (at) bachido (dot) com and I'll happily verify it for you. :) Contents include:
  • If you play your shamisen and notice particular notes sounding…
    If you play your shamisen and notice particular notes sounding especially dull or harshly buzzy, there's a good chance your sao has kanberi. Kanberi is basically wear-and-tear naturally caused by the act of pressing the string against the sao repeatedly over the course of years. Releveling the sao completely removes this wear and restores the full resonance of a shamisen, making it sound brand new again. After purchasing this service, Kyle will send you an email with instructions for shipping. Please be prepared to ship your whole shamisen.
  • Itomaki Repair

    Price range: $30.00 through $90.00
    This service is for restoring the taper of itomaki (tuning…
    This service is for restoring the taper of itomaki (tuning pegs). This corrects the problem of itomaki slipping or not being able to maintain higher string tension. After you order the service, I will email you shipping instructions for sending your shamisen in for repair. Brand new itomaki available for installation! Click here to check out the Ebony Nagauta Itomaki Set. If you have a Tsugaru style shamisen, please consider checking out Elite Itomaki in the Bachido Shop to accessorize your shamisen with something special!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Wider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mm
    Wider than most tsugaru koma. Height: 8.89mm
  • According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and…
    According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and extra dry. Height: 6.73mm
  • Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm
    Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm
  • This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like…
    This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like shape, and has a half bone saddle. Dimensions: Height: 7.53mm
  • Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is…
    Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is 7.88mm
  • Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm
    Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm
  • Sale!
    Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, the Matsu shamisen features…
    Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, the Matsu shamisen features a sao (and tenjin) made from Akamatsu - Japanese Red Pine. With a hard Shitan fingerboard providing clarity, the lighter Akamatsu wood gives this shamisen a uniquely delicate and woody tone. Read more about the Matsu Shamisen in the Description below!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Matsu Shamisen, 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
    Important: This shamisen does NOT include any accessories required to play (no strings, plectrum, etc). Unless you already have accessories, please consider selecting The Tsugaru Shamisen Accessory Set option for all the essential items required to make your shamisen playable. Otherwise, by selecting the Matsu Shamisen only, you will receive the masterfully built shamisen in an unplayable condition. The Tsugaru's Shamisen Accessory Set consists of entry level items so users can get the most affordable option to start playing. If you'd like to select your own accessories (to get preferred colors, choose particular bachi, add extra strings, etc), please go to Essentials and choose the best items for yourself. Need help in curating your shopping list? Learn about the most essential items here! Note: A Bachido membership (free) is required to access the courses. (Note: Each shamisen is built per order. Please allow six to eight weeks for construction)  
  • Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, we've got three beautiful…
    Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, we've got three beautiful styles of ebony itomaki: Mentori (trimmed edges), Soragara (star shape), Soragara Mentori (star shape with trimmed edges). These itomaki are intended for tsugaru shamisen. Theoretically they could be fitted in smaller shamisen (nagauta, jiuta, etc), but those shamisen have smaller tenjin, and thus the itomaki would be more difficult to use, and so it's not recommended.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Sale!

    The Eclipse: Special Edition

    From $3,300 to $3,500
    It's no question we love all shamisen, but for me…
    It's no question we love all shamisen, but for me the Eclipse has a special place in my heart. Not only is the color contrast of the tochikarin and shitan fingerboard stunning, and not only was the Eclipse our first model to incorporate the shitan flowing into the tenjin, but the tone balance of the medium-hardness neck with the harder fingerboard makes it a shamisen I still regularly play to this day! In celebration of the Eclipse's return to the Bachido Store, we've released a Special Edition model! What are the perks of this new model? Read below! Note: The Non-Slip Itomaki shown in the pictures are optional add-ons. They are super useful and offers it at half-price for new shamisen, so consider selecting it in the dropdown box! More information about Non-Slip Itomaki below!

    Color Will Vary

    As you can see in the photo, the left Eclipse has a redder hue than the right Eclipse. There is no difference in quality nor tone, but it's simply the natural color of the polished wood. As stated above, the Eclipse uses no stain or lacquers, so please know that any particular Eclipse shamisen might be redder or tanner than another.

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Eclipse, 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.
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