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  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from stabilized mango…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from stabilized mango wood, and fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
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  • Amboyna Burl Itomaki Set #2

    $450.00$550.00
    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.
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  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Black &…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Black & White Ebony. Capped with African Blackwood and Amboyna Burl, and fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
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  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from two-tone Mexican…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from two-tone Mexican Royal Ebony, fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
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  • Cocobolo Itomaki Set #3

    $350.00$450.00
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Cocobolo. Fitted…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Cocobolo. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Figured Bubinga Itomaki Set

    $350.00$450.00
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Figured Bubinga.…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Figured Bubinga. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Mexican Royal…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Mexican Royal Ebony, fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Satinwood Itomaki Set

    $350.00$450.00
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Satinwood, and…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Satinwood, and fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Cocobolo. Fitted…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Cocobolo. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Standard Ebony Itomaki Set

    $350.00$450.00
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made entirely from Gaboon…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made entirely from Gaboon Ebony. Beyond the soragara (star shape) style, it's a very standard type of itomaki.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Curly Acacia Itomaki Set

    $350.00$450.00
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Stabilized Curly…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Stabilized Curly Acacia. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Sale!

    The Eclipse Shamisen

    From $2500 to $2700
    One of our first and most popular shamisen has finally…
    One of our first and most popular shamisen has finally returned! The Eclipse has been absent for many years due to the unavailability of tochikarin (highly figured Karin) in matching colors. For example, the lumber for sao wood was tan and the lumber for the tenjin would be brownish-pink. Why does this matter? Well, unlike other shamisen which can be stained or colored with tinted urushi, the Eclipse is finished with Tokyo Wagakki's renowned polishing technique, which takes two weeks to apply and uses no lacquers nor colorings. Such a polish gives the entire shamisen a deep warm glow, but retains the colors of the natural wood. Thus, while a shamisen with different color tones wouldn't affect the sound, the craftsmen at Tokyo Wagakki weren't pleased with the visual aesthetic, and so we paused production of this model... until now! After many years, tochikarin wood in matching colors came back in stock, and we're finally able to bring the Eclipse back to the Bachido Store! Read more about this exciting shamisen below! Also, check out our exciting new Eclipse: Special Edition!

    Color Will Vary

    As you can see in the photo, the left Eclipse has a redder hue than the right Eclipse. There is no difference in quality nor tone, but it's simply the natural color of the polished wood. As stated above, the Eclipse uses no stain or lacquers, so please know that any particular Eclipse shamisen might be redder or tanner than another.
  • Sale!

    The Starling Shamisen

    $1,750.00 - $2,245.00
    To learn more about the Starling Shamisen please click on…
    To learn more about the Starling Shamisen please click on the link below!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Starling Shamisen, 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
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Tosa no Sunayama
    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 Starling 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)
  • Sale!

    The Akatsuki Shamisen

    From $3,000 to $3,500
    The Akatsuki Shamisen, made by the legendary makers at Tokyo…
    The Akatsuki Shamisen, made by the legendary makers at Tokyo Wagakki (the oldest and most respected shamisen workshop in Japan). Includes Ayasugi and Non-Slip Itomaki as optional upgrades. Read below to get all the details about this shamisen!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Akatsuki, I am including several learning materials for free!
    • Bachido Shamisen Crash Course
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (Kyu)
    • Premium Shamisen Course: Tsugaru Jonkara Bushi (Shin)
    • Premium Shamisen Course: The Nitta Ryu Intensive Technique Pack
    • 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 Akatsuki 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)
  • Sanshin Set

    $250.00$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.
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  • Designed with a perfect half-size sao and a natural skin,…
    Designed with a perfect half-size sao and a natural skin, you can get an authentic shamisen sound with a size convenient enough to take hiking or on the road.  
  • This Shitan Tsugaru Shamisen is made from Shitan wood, which…
    This Shitan Tsugaru Shamisen is made from Shitan wood, which is higher quality and heavier than Karin wood.
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  • This is a standard kouki shamisen, made in Japan. Honestly,…
    This is a standard kouki shamisen, made in Japan. Honestly, I would recommend checking out the Rose Shamisen, which is also made from kouki but has more customization options and has more information, pictures, and video available.
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  • This shamisen features a Size 7 dou, which is the…
    This shamisen features a Size 7 dou, which is the largest dou available for shamisen. (Not a very common size, and doukake have to be custom made)
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  • This set includes a Tsugaru Shamisen as well as all…
    This set includes a Tsugaru Shamisen as well as all the accessories (including a higher end bachi) needed for a very comfortable playing experience.
  • This Karin Minyo Shamisen is built by a close friend…
    This Karin Minyo Shamisen is built by a close friend of Hiroshi Nitta (Masahiro Nitta’s father) in Kanagawa.
  • 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)
  • This Accessory Set includes everything you need to get the…
    This Accessory Set includes everything you need to get the most from your Beginner’s Shamisen. (Nagauta/Hosozao Size)
  • Sale!

    The Beginner’s Shamisen

    $500.00 - $640.00
    To learn more about the Beginner's Shamisen or the accompanying…
    To learn more about the Beginner's Shamisen or the accompanying accessory set, please click on their respective links below!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your new Beginner’s Shamisen, 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 The Beginner’s Shamisen Accessory Set option for all the essential items required to make your shamisen playable. Otherwise, by selecting The Beginner’s Shamisen only, you will receive the masterfully built shamisen in an unplayable condition. The Beginner’s Shamisen Accessory Set gives users the most affordable option to start playing. The set consists of entry level items, but does not include Koma and Bachi. Those two items are required, and because there is a wide variety of excellent Koma and Bachi available, they are available outside of the set so users can choose the exact Koma and Bachi they prefer. If you're planning to get the Beginner's Shamisen Accessory Set, be sure to grab a Koma and Bachi too! 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. (Please allow two weeks for fulfillment)
  • 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) All strings are dyed red and look very striking against a white shamisen skin.
  • A standard kind of pitch pipe, which is used by…
    A standard kind of pitch pipe, which is used by a majority of shamisen players. Simply blow into the designated hole for the pitch you want to tune the string to, and raise/lower the pitch of the string until the sound matches the pitch emitted by the pitch pipe! For some it can be easier than using an electronic tuner (which works just as well).
  • This is the cheapest koma available, both in price and…
    This is the cheapest koma available, both in price and quality. It's okay if it's all you can afford, but the tone and strength of koma made with bamboo or wood (or anything other than plastic koma) are far superior, and worth the extra cost.
  • Enjoy a higher strata of elegance with this Premium Wooden…
    Enjoy a higher strata of elegance with this Premium Wooden Bachi made by Nitta san’s friends of his Sapporo music group Ezon! The handle has a Marquetry-style inlay which brightens your bachi with an artsy brilliance!
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
  • Size Options 9cm x 16.5cm (Regular) – Normal size for…
    Size Options 9cm x 16.5cm (Regular) – Normal size for Tsugaru style. 7cm x 15cm (Trimmed) – Ideal if you have average size hands but tend to find tsugaru bachi unwieldy. 6cm x 13cm (Small) – Best for kids or small hands.
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  • Flex Options: Hard: This is very rigid, almost like Plastic…
    Flex Options: Hard: This is very rigid, almost like Plastic Bachi, or cheaper bekko bachi. Only choose this if you are accustomed to hard bachi and especially prefer it. Medium: This is a similar level to the Faux Bekko Bachi, as well as most bekko bachi available. Soft: This is ideal for beginners. (Flex level has no connection to skill level – many professional players use soft bachi) Soft bachi are comparable to high end bekko bachi, as very flexible shell are reserved for expensive bachi. (Hard/Medium bachi can be high end as well, but it’s much harder to find natural soft flex in the lower price ranges) The extra flex makes it very comfortable to get a satisfying percussive snap against the skin, and unlike stiffer bachi, it doesn’t get caught in the strings as much. Masahiro Nitta’s personal bachi has a similar flexibility as this, and it’s my favorite as well. Size options: (Length x Width) Large 167mm×93mm Medium 164mm×88mm Small 161mm×83mm
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  • 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 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
  • 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
  • This is a Leather Doukake for Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5…
    This is a Leather Doukake for Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5 dou).
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  • Introducing the first shamisen-infused Christmas album. Twelve reimagined classics, and…
    Introducing the first shamisen-infused Christmas album. Twelve reimagined classics, and trust me, it's better than you think. Ships from California.
  • This is my first studio album, the Cuckoo. Personally I…
    This is my first studio album, the Cuckoo. Personally I cringe when I listen to this one, as I enjoy my newer works a lot more. My wife likes this album though.
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