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The Gokujo ito are the considered to be the highest…The Gokujo ito are the considered to be the highest quality string for shamisen, and ideal for stage use. Note: The ichi no ito will not fit in a nagauta/jiuta shamisen, as the diameter of the string holes in the itomaki are smaller. It can be done if you widen the string hole first, but I've tried using such a thick string on a nagauta shamisen as an experiment, and feel that the tone of the thinner string balances much better with the smaller size of the nagauta shamisen. -
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: -
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8hd58MXJgw[/embed] The Best of Both Worlds: Vintage Materials Meets Modern…The Best of Both Worlds: Vintage Materials Meets Modern Perfection. Experience a rare "Brand-New Vintage" Tsugaru Shamisen. Crafted from "Golden Age" Red Sandalwood (Kouki) with extraordinary tochi (tiger-stripe figuring) rarely seen in modern harvests, this instrument has been 100% restored by the legendary craftsmen at Tokyo Wagakki. Featuring the brand new Hibiki Sonic synthetic skin (not yet publicly available), this is a collector-grade instrument with the playability of a brand-new professional model.
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Wood: Highest-grade old growth Kouki with heavy Tochi figuring (Sao & Tenjin). It literally doesn't get any higher grade than this.
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Skin: Hibiki Sonic (Choice of Black or White)
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Hardware: Gold fittings (Kinbozo), Zouge Itomaki
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Condition: Professionally refreshed to Brand New condition.
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The Best of Both Worlds: Vintage Materials Meets Modern Perfection.…The Best of Both Worlds: Vintage Materials Meets Modern Perfection. Experience a rare "Brand-New Vintage" Tsugaru Shamisen. Crafted from "Golden Age" Red Sandalwood (Kouki) with extraordinary tochi (tiger-stripe figuring) rarely seen in modern harvests, this instrument has been 100% restored by the legendary craftsmen at Tokyo Wagakki. Featuring the brand new Hibiki Sonic synthetic skin (not yet publicly available), this is a collector-grade instrument with the playability of a brand-new professional model.
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Wood: Highest-grade old growth Kouki with high level of Tochi figuring (Sao & Tenjin) and ribbons of reds.
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Skin: Hibiki Sonic (White)
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Hardware: Gold fittings (Kinbozo), Phoenix Elite Itomaki
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Condition: Professionally refreshed to Brand New condition.
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While this shamisen was previously built by an unknown maker…While this shamisen was previously built by an unknown maker in Japan (sadly, there are almost never signatures nor identification marks from shamisen makers), my guess is it was made in the 1990s to early 2000s. There is a very light amount of tochi (figure) in the kouki, but has beautiful deep red throughout. This instrument has been fully refreshed to brand new condition by the legendary craftsmen at Tokyo Wagakki, which includes their signature mirror-like polishing technique. This shamisen can be skinned with the brand new Hibiki Sonic synthetic skin (not yet publicly available).
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Wood: Deep red Kouki with light amount of tochi figuring (Sao & Tenjin).
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Skin: Hibiki Sonic (White or Black)
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Itomaki: Elite Itomaki (African Blackwood w/ Amboyna Burl caps)
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Condition: Professionally refreshed to Brand New condition.
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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. -
Zagane (also called Fukurin) are the metal fittings attached to…Zagane (also called Fukurin) are the metal fittings attached to the itomaki holes. The idea is that the metal of the Zagane prevents the wood from wearing down. More importantly though, they look cool! Note:Â These Zagane require a reamer with a 7 degree taper for a perfect fit. It's possible to use other reamers (like cello reamers for example), but you might have to fill in gaps with wood filler. I highly recommend the Hozan K-441 Reamer.