https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqW8lIoATN4
At Bachido, we know that shamisen are very expensive instruments to learn. Though some people know shamisen is for them upon hearing the first strike of the string, it's difficult for most of us to spend $1000 on an instrument without trying it first. Fortunately, Nitta san managed to find shamisen built for school use, and he ordered a whole fleet of them in bulk for a discount rate in order to pass those savings onto you! We're so happy to finally have this shamisen set available so people can start their three-stringed journey with greater ease!
The Shamisen Starter Set includes everything you need to start playing shamisen. As you can watch in
"Unboxing the Shamisen Starter Set", the shamisen and the entire set of accessories are shipped together in one box. Many other shamisen stores in Japan will ship their shamisen fully assembled, which for overseas deliveries very often results in broken necks and shattered dreams. (Truly, I've had to fix many broken shamisen which customers received from other stores) At Bachido, we ensure safe delivery by shipping shamisen fully disassembled with every part carefully wrapped. Since 2014, we've shipped over 700 shamisen with a nearly perfect delivery rate. So when you get your shamisen at Bachido, you can rest assured knowing your shamisen will arrive safely!
Now, the safest method of delivery does mean the shamisen will need to be assembled and accessories attached after arrival. A daunting task it seems, but fear not, In my
"Step-by-Step Guide to Shamisen Assembly", I will carefully walk you through the entire assembly process. From putting the neck together to tuning the shamisen, we will confidently set up your new three-stringed friend! Afterwards, you can learn how to play using the video lessons included with your purchase!
Specifications
- Hosozao (thin-neck) Shamisen
- Sao: Mitsuori (Three-piece neck)
- Itomaki: Ebony
- Skin:
- Wood of Sao and Dou: Karin
(Note) Darkness/color of wood may vary.
-
Included Accessories
- Bachi (plectrum)
- Bachigawa (skin protector)
- Bamboo Koma (bridge)
- Doukake (body cover)
- Fujaku (position mark strip)
- Ito (strings)
- Kamigoma (shamisen nut: requires glue for installation)
- Keychain Accessory (fun stuff!)
- Neo (tailpiece)
- Pitch Pipe
- Soft Case
- Yubikake (fingerpants)
Helpful Videos
DaFAQ: Shamisen Masterclass Series (it's free!)
Kyle’s Opinion
Having tested it out myself, I am very happy with the quality of this shamisen. The clear and resonant tone almost surprised me, it’s so nice! The tone gave me great satisfaction, which is something I wasn’t expecting from a shamisen of this price. Unlike other beginner level shamisen, this one sounds like… like a real instrument! Also, the itomaki are made from real wood and the shamisen sparkles with a luscious lacquer, making this a beautiful instrument to admire as you play it. This is a shamisen that sounds great and looks beautiful. If you are ready to start learning, this is the instrument for you. You may pick this shamisen up as a beginner, but you will cherish it for many years to come.
You may have heard terms such as "Nagauta Shamisen", "Jiuta Shamisen", "Tsugaru Shamisen", and more. These basically refer to shamisen which are set up for those particular formal styles (Nagauta, Jiuta, and Tsugaru* style respectively). Such styles use very particular sizes of bachi (plectrum), koma (bridge), skin tension, and some visual aesthetics like width of overhanging skin on the dou (body). Such factors only matter for those who are pursuing a particular formal style. The Shamisen Starter Set's instrument is prepared in the folk style, which uses shamisen as a rather informal instrument. The instrument's frame is used for Nagauta Shamisen, but the skin is prepared with a folk/tsugaru aesthetic (I.e, the overhanging skin is wider than the short-cut overhang of classical styles), and the set includes the easy-to-use tsugaru koma (bridge). It's a shamisen made for folks who just want to learn and enjoy shamisen as an instrument, without getting bogged down about formal paradigms. There's nothing wrong with formal training, but from personal experience, I develop a greater connection with the instrument when being able to enjoy musical instruments as what they are - instruments of personal expression. :-)
*Although Tsugaru style is often considered the modern "wild" style of shamisen, there is also a formal classical branch of the style which is very strict about the aesthetic.
Special Bonus!
To help you get started with your new Shamisen Starter Set, I am including several learning materials for free!
- Bachido Shamisen Crash Course
- Premium Shamisen Course: Sakura
- Premium Shamisen Course: Ringo Bushi
- Premium Shamisen Course: Yasaburo Bushi
Note: A Bachido membership (free) is required to access the courses.
(Please allow three weeks for fulfillment) 
This adhesive rubber pad is very useful. Attach it to…This adhesive rubber pad is very useful. Attach it to the lower corner of your dou in order to prevent the dou from sliding off your thigh!
Keep your skin protected with the adhesive bachigawa! (Note: Ideal…Keep your skin protected with the adhesive bachigawa! (Note: Ideal for natural skin. Doesn't adhere to Hibiki synthetic skin very well)
One set of strings for Nagauta style. Contains one silk…One set of strings for Nagauta style. Contains one silk Ichi no ito, one silk ni no ito, and one nylon san no ito.
The Yubikake is a tightly knit sleeve (made by machine)…The Yubikake is a tightly knit sleeve (made by machine) which is fitted over the index finger and thumb. When playing shamisen, the friction of your skin rubs against the neck, making it hard to play. The Yubikake adds a layer between your hand and the neck, reducing friction and making playing much easier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqW8lIoATN4 At Bachido, we know that shamisen are very expensive…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqW8lIoATN4 At Bachido, we know that shamisen are very expensive instruments to learn. Though some people know shamisen is for them upon hearing the first strike of the string, it's difficult for most of us to spend $1000 on an instrument without trying it first. Fortunately, Nitta san managed to find shamisen built for school use, and he ordered a whole fleet of them in bulk for a discount rate in order to pass those savings onto you! We're so happy to finally have this shamisen set available so people can start their three-stringed journey with greater ease! The Shamisen Starter Set includes everything you need to start playing shamisen. As you can watch in "Unboxing the Shamisen Starter Set", the shamisen and the entire set of accessories are shipped together in one box. Many other shamisen stores in Japan will ship their shamisen fully assembled, which for overseas deliveries very often results in broken necks and shattered dreams. (Truly, I've had to fix many broken shamisen which customers received from other stores) At Bachido, we ensure safe delivery by shipping shamisen fully disassembled with every part carefully wrapped. Since 2014, we've shipped over 700 shamisen with a nearly perfect delivery rate. So when you get your shamisen at Bachido, you can rest assured knowing your shamisen will arrive safely! Now, the safest method of delivery does mean the shamisen will need to be assembled and accessories attached after arrival. A daunting task it seems, but fear not, In my "Step-by-Step Guide to Shamisen Assembly", I will carefully walk you through the entire assembly process. From putting the neck together to tuning the shamisen, we will confidently set up your new three-stringed friend! Afterwards, you can learn how to play using the video lessons included with your purchase!
The adhesive position mark strip which shows the position locations…The adhesive position mark strip which shows the position locations for playing melodies from notation. Simply match the number shown in your notation with the number on the fujaku, press the string on that number, and enjoy! An truly invaluable accessory for beginners.
Because coffee. Why not?Because coffee. Why not?
A basic electronic tuner. Honestly, you can find so many…A basic electronic tuner. Honestly, you can find so many good electronic tuners on Amazon or musical instrument retailers at a lower price.
To learn more about the Sakura Shamisen please click on…To learn more about the Sakura Shamisen please click on the link below!
This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Amboyna Burl,…This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Amboyna Burl, fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood.…This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood. Capped with Amboyna Burl and fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
