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) 
Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. Scroll below for sound…Bamboo Koma lacquered with black urushi. Scroll below for sound test video!
This Kamigoma fits on Tsugaru and Minyo tenjin.This Kamigoma fits on Tsugaru and Minyo tenjin.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!