Whether you've dreamed of building your own shamisen or already aspire to become a shamisen luthier, these kits provide all the wood and parts you need to create a high-level instrument! (Please note: the kit does NOT include tools, glues, or finishes.) After selecting your favorite set, be sure to pick up a fingerboard (available in the main '
Shamisen DIY Kits' page) to achieve the best tone and a stunning appearance!
Each kit includes roughly shaped shamisen parts (Tenjin, Sao, Nakago, Dou), all of the gold fittings (Rindo, Azuma Sawari, Kamigoma, and Zagane), Elite Itomaki (sanding and polishing required), and a copy of Shamisen of Japan.
These kits are designed for individuals who want the complete experience of building a shamisen and either have a workshop or plan to obtain their own tools. The kits consist primarily of curated materials that are minimally processed to provide the maker with a full hands-on building experience. The quality of the final product depends on your skill and craftsmanship. Be sure to read the main description on the Shamisen DIY Kit category page for full details and general information about these kits.
Add-Ons
Want an even smoother building experience? Here's a few optional services which could be useful!
- Building Templates
These templates are cut from high quality acrylic and are sized for a standard futozao (Tsugaru) shamisen with a Size 5 dou. Although the included book Shamisen of Japan has paper templates for you, the paper does wear down after multiple tracings. If you plan to build multiple shamisen, having durable acrylic templates on hand is very delightful.
- One-on-One Video Calls with Kyle (Four 30-minute video calls)
Although building shamisen is overall an incredible journey, specific aspects (especially joints making) can be quite frustrating. And in those times, sometimes having a teacher present can make a huge difference! With this service, Kyle can be available on video to answer your questions and offer tricks and solutions to challenging obstacles.
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a Burl handle secured to a flexible Black Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 56g Length: 173mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 23mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 12mm
Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made…Made by Bachido member Josh Curry! This bachi is made with a Zebrawood (unfinished) handle secured to a flexible Blue Acrylic bachi blade. Specifications: Weight: 69g Length: 192mm Thickness at base of wood handle: 27mm Thickness at thin end of wood handle: 12mm
This is a used hardshell Mitsuori Case from Nitta san.…This is a used hardshell Mitsuori Case from Nitta san. The interior is lined with luscious red cloth, and there's a small pouch on the underside of the lid for strings and small accessories. As you can see in the picture, the Mitsuori Case can be used as a shamisen stand (the edge of the lid has a curved lip which keeps the sao cradled in middle of the case). This listing does not include the shamisen. :)
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.
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!
This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) base and…This koma is made with a bamboo (Madake) 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!
Because coffee. Why not?Because coffee. Why not?
Whether you've dreamed of building your own shamisen or already…Whether you've dreamed of building your own shamisen or already aspire to become a shamisen luthier, these kits provide all the wood and parts you need to create a high-level instrument! (Please note: the kit does NOT include tools, glues, or finishes.) After selecting your favorite set, be sure to pick up a fingerboard (available in the main 'Shamisen DIY Kits' page) to achieve the best tone and a stunning appearance!
