Store

  • This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…
    This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bone-tipped saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type.
  • This Kamigoma fits on Nagauta and Jiuta (without azuma/en sawari)…
    This Kamigoma fits on Nagauta and Jiuta (without azuma/en sawari) tenjin. Requires a drop of superglue to install.
  • Sale!

    The Raven Shamisen

    $1,950.00 - $2,450.00
    Easily our most popular model on Bachido! Made by one…
    Easily our most popular model on Bachido! Made by one of the finest shamisen workshops in Japan (Tokyo Wagakki) the Raven is made with Shitan wood and expertly lacquered with jet black urushi. Although the urushi is black, the Raven's color changes depending on the light! The darkness of the black urushi is strong when illuminated, and when the light is gentle, the natural browns of Shitan will emerge. An incredibly cool element of this shamisen! Product Updates: The red acrylic itomaki are now available in both Soragara style (star-shape) and standard Hexagon, and the optional Ayasugi (intricate carving inside the dou) is now available! Note, the Ayasugi option is shown in the product photos. If you choose "No" in the Ayasugi box, the inside of your dou will be smooth. 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! To learn more about the Raven please click on the below link!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Raven Shamisen, I am including several learning materials for free!
    • Bachido Shamisen Crash Course
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Sakura
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Tosa no Sunayama
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Kase no Yakko Odori
    • 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 Raven 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)
  • The second string on the shamisen (which is the middle…
    The second string on the shamisen (which is the middle string). Gokujo brand. Can be used for Tsugaru, Jiuta, and Nagauta style. Sold as a pack of two strings.
  • This is a very special set of ito made by…
    This is a very special set of ito made by Marusan Hishimoto Co. (the most trusted maker of shamisen strings, and the only brand of string I sell in the Bachido Store) In the Tsugaru Ito Set - Black all strings are dyed black and look very striking against a white shamisen skin. Just be careful when playing shamisen in the dark!
  • Prepare for extra-awesome! Compared to the regular Shinobi Koma, the…
    Prepare for extra-awesome! Compared to the regular Shinobi Koma, the Shinobi Koma - Deluxe is loaded with extra features!
  • Adhesive sticker featuring the Bachido logo with "Bachido" written in…
    Adhesive sticker featuring the Bachido logo with "Bachido" written in kanji.
  • It's just what you think it is, a cute lil'…
    It's just what you think it is, a cute lil' shamisen for your keychain!
  • Like a desiccants, the Manyo is a pad used to…
    Like a desiccants, the Manyo is a pad used to maintain the dryness of natural skin on shamisen. (It's not required for synthetic skins)
  • The first string on the shamisen (which is the thickest…
    The first string on the shamisen (which is the thickest of the three). Gintsuki brand, material is silk, and it's available in size for Tsugaru style only.
  • This koma is made entirely of bamboo (Madake). While it…
    This koma is made entirely of bamboo (Madake). While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type.
  • I must admit, this is my absolute favorite koma. It’s…
    I must admit, this is my absolute favorite koma. It’s both great sounding and a gorgeous work of art. This koma is made from susudake (soot bamboo) and half bone top is expertly carved with three waves (or some might see fangs) curving downward. All of the bamboo/wood koma on Bachido sound great, but I particularly like this one for both it’s style and sound! Scroll below for sound test video!
  • Skin Replacement

    Price range: $99.00 through $400.00
    It is said that 80% of the shamisen’s sound quality…
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Lacquered Bachido Doukake (2019 Lineup)

    Price range: $150.00 through $189.00
    This line of Lacquered Doukake are made by Kyle Abbott…
    This line of Lacquered Doukake are made by Kyle Abbott and shipped from sunny Santa Cruz, California. These Doukake fits ONLY Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5 dou). Please do not order if you have a Nagauta/Beginner's Shamisen or Jiuta Shamisen. All Lacquered Doukake are made to order. Please allow two weeks for crafting and lacquering.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Want to represent Bachido on your wooden bachi? Now you…
    Want to represent Bachido on your wooden bachi? Now you can! This is a standard Wooden Bachi (Oak) with the Bachido logo laser-cut into the handle. Sexy time!
  • The classic Faux Bekko Bachi. Features a similar flexibility as…
    The classic Faux Bekko Bachi. Features a similar flexibility as natural shell while being 100% synthetic.
  • This is the device that allows you to adjust the…
    This is the device that allows you to adjust the buzzing effect on a tsugaru or minyo shamisen. It is installed right under the thickest string. Large (Tsugaru): 2.8cm long, 6mm wide Small (Nagauta/Jiuta): 2.5cm long, 8mm wide
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Sale!

    The Shamibuddy

    $299.00 - $470.00
    To learn more about the Shamibuddy or the accompanying accessory…
    To learn more about the Shamibuddy or the accompanying accessory set, please click on their respective links below!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new ShamiBuddy, 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
    Important: This shamisen does NOT include any accessories required to play (no strings, plectrum, etc). Unless you already have accessories, please consider selecting The ShamiBuddy Accessory Set option for all the essential items required to make your shamisen playable. Otherwise, by selecting The ShamiBuddy Shamisen only, you will receive the masterfully built shamisen in an unplayable condition. The ShamiBuddy 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.
  • This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…
    This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bekko saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type.
  • The Bachi Case is a classy way to keep both…
    The Bachi Case is a classy way to keep both your bachi (plectrum) and koma (bridge) safe and secure. This exquisite case has the capacity to accommodate two bachi while also providing ample space to house up to eight koma (depending on the width). It's a very elegant and stylish way to keep your accessories protected, we've got a wide variety of Bachi Cases to choose from!!
  • Sanshin Set

    Price range: $250.00 through $450.00
    The Sanshin Set includes everything needed to start playing Sanshin!…
    The Sanshin Set includes everything needed to start playing Sanshin! Available with either Natural or Synthetic snake skin.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Lacquered Bachido Doukake (Dragon)

    Price range: $150.00 through $189.00
    This line of Lacquered Doukake are made by Kyle Abbott…
    This line of Lacquered Doukake are made by Kyle Abbott and shipped from sunny Santa Cruz, California. These Doukake fits ONLY Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5 dou). Please do not order if you have a Nagauta/Beginner's Shamisen or Jiuta Shamisen. All Lacquered Doukake are made to order. Please allow two weeks for crafting and lacquering.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Be free of chairs and seiza (sitting on your legs)…
    Be free of chairs and seiza (sitting on your legs) position with a guitar strap! While a guitar strap can be tied to your shamisen, I highly recommend installing Schaller Strap Locks if you're comfortable with drilling holes in your shamisen dou. Strap locks are perfect for keeping your strap securely locked in place.
  • This is a soft cloth bag used to wrap a…
    This is a soft cloth bag used to wrap a fully assembled shamisen. Like a comfortable bathrobe for your instrument!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • The first string on the shamisen (which is the thickest…
    The first string on the shamisen (which is the thickest of the three). Gokujo brand, material is silk, and it's available in size for Tsugaru style only. Contains one string.  
  • This is a double-length Ichi no Ito (the first string…
    This is a double-length Ichi no Ito (the first string on the shamisen, which is the thickest of the three). There is a red mark in the middle of the string length, indicating where the string can be cut in half.
  • This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…
    This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and a bone-tipped saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type.
  • 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: 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.
  • This is the device that allows you to adjust the…
    This is the device that allows you to adjust the buzzing effect on a tsugaru or minyo shamisen. It is installed right under the thickest string.
  • Sale!
    Introducing a classic style of hosozao shamisen, 100% Made-in-Japan with…
    Introducing a classic style of hosozao shamisen, 100% Made-in-Japan with premium Shitan (rosewood)! Shitan (rosewood) is a hard and incredibly beautiful wood, and made with high quality standards, this shamisen has a luscious shine and sparkles in the light! This shamisen includes everything you need to start playing shamisen. What's unique about this particular line of shamisen are the materials used. These shamisen are made with wood harvested around the 1980s. Wood from that period was of much higher quality (often with a richer figure) than wood harvested recently. How were we able to get pristine 50-year-old wood? Read in the description below!

    Specifications

    • Hosozao (thin-neck) Shamisen
    • Sao: Shitan wood, Mitsuori (Three-piece neck)
    • Itomaki: Ebony
    • Skin: Hibiki (White)
    • 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)
    (Please allow three weeks for fulfillment)  
  • This is a very thin, lightweight case which is perfect…
    This is a very thin, lightweight case which is perfect for casually storing your shamisen in the house or taking out to local gigs or meetup sessions. As there is very minimal padding, please be careful when traveling with it, as the shamisen can still be damaged if it falls or something falls on it. With that being said, if you're in a safe environment already, the Thin Soft Case is a super convenient way to carry your shamisen while keeping it safe from abrasion, dust, and/or spilled coffee!
  • This is a required item for shamisen, it is the…
    This is a required item for shamisen, it is the tailpiece which the strings are tied to. The Neo is fitted on the end of the shamisen, and it is made from pure silk.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • This koma is made with a Kouki base and a…
    This koma is made with a Kouki base and a bone saddle. While it is technically sized for Tsugaru style, it can be used with any shamisen type. Scroll below for sound test video!
  • Ebony Nagauta Itomaki Set

    Price range: $100.00 through $190.00
    Brand new set of Ebony Nagauta style Itomaki made by…
    Brand new set of Ebony Nagauta style Itomaki made by Tokyo Wagakki. These itomaki are direct from the maker, and require turning (making the peg round with a file or lathe) to specially fit in each row of holes, as well as drilling string holes.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Oyama Ryu – Minyo Collection (Set)

    Price range: $76.00 through $988.00
    These are Scorebooks/CD sets for minyo (folk) songs, arranged for…
    These are Scorebooks/CD sets for minyo (folk) songs, arranged for Tsugaru style by the Oyama Ryu. Note that all volumes are written in Japanese.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • This scorebook contains tablature (bunkafu) for 10 songs in the…
    This scorebook contains tablature (bunkafu) for 10 songs in the Nitta Ryu (style).
Go to Top