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  • This beautiful set of jointed Kouki itomaki are made in…
    This beautiful set of jointed Kouki itomaki are made in the Soragara Mentori style, which is a star shape with the edges expertly trimmed with immaculate detailing. Highly figured Kouki jointed to high quality ebony, and Built in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki.
  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood with intense fiddleback figure. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
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  • Sale!
    Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, the Matsu shamisen features…
    Made in Japan by Tokyo Wagakki, the Matsu shamisen features a sao (and tenjin) made from Akamatsu - Japanese Red Pine. With a hard Shitan fingerboard providing clarity, the lighter Akamatsu wood gives this shamisen a uniquely delicate and woody tone. Read more about the Matsu Shamisen in the Description below!

    Special Bonus!

    To help you get started with your brand-new Matsu Shamisen, 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 Matsu 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)  
  • Want a little extra personality on your fingerpants? These handmade…
    Want a little extra personality on your fingerpants? These handmade in Japan yubikake feature a decorative ornament on the finger loop. The ornament doesn't directly improve sound quality, but my friends (yes, I do have them!) tell me it looks super cute!
  • The Bachi Cover fits over the blade of the bachi.…
    The Bachi Cover fits over the blade of the bachi. After you finish your playing session, simply fit this cover over the blade to protect against accidental bumps or scratches!
  • This Koma Case is a supremely elegant way to cradle…
    This Koma Case is a supremely elegant way to cradle your koma in velvet-lined comfort! This case can hold three koma (specifically three koma with an average width of 6mm.) Any Koma Case with "Used" in the title is in used condition (likewise, any Koma Case with "used" NOT in the title is in brand new condition) and it's style varies slightly, although they will also easily hold three koma.
  • This Koma Case is a supremely elegant way to cradle…
    This Koma Case is a supremely elegant way to cradle your koma in velvet-lined comfort! This case can hold five koma (specifically five koma with an average width of 6mm. It might hold fewer if your koma are wider).
  • For those who know me and my wardrobe, I'm not…
    For those who know me and my wardrobe, I'm not one to shy away from flashy colors, and thus am huge fan of these cases! The outer shell of the Koma Case is covered with ornate patterns. The case holds a maximum of five koma and has space for small items like strings or yubikake. A very elegant and stylish way to keep your accessories protected! Be sure to check out the Koma Case (Bling!) for super cool shimmering patterns!
  • 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.
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  • Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm
    Susudake Bamboo base with Kouki Tip. Height is 8.13mm
  • Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is…
    Bamboo base with half faux black bekko saddle. Height is 7.88mm
  • Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle.…
    Kouki koma (with rounded edges) sporting a half bone saddle. Height is 8.03mm
  • This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like…
    This Bamboo koma is artistically made into a somewhat "butterfly"-like shape, and has a half bone saddle. Dimensions: Height: 7.53mm
  • Snakewood base with half bekko saddle. Height is 6.35mm Please be…
    Snakewood base with half bekko saddle. Height is 6.35mm Please be careful with handling, as snakewood can be brittle!
  • Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm
    Susudake Bamboo base with Faux Bekko Tip. Height is 7.41mm
  • According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and…
    According to Nitta san, Shari bamboo (舎利竹) is aged and extra dry. Height: 6.73mm
  • Bamboo Koma with Acrylic saddle. Height is 8.13mm
    Bamboo Koma with Acrylic saddle. Height is 8.13mm
  • Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below…
    Koma with a Kouki base and bone saddle. Scroll below for sound test video!
  • For those who know me and my wardrobe, I'm not…
    For those who know me and my wardrobe, I'm not one to shy away from flashy colors, and thus am huge fan of these cases! The outer shell of the Koma Case is covered with beautiful fabric featuring an ornate floral pattern. The case holds a maximum of five koma and has space for small items like strings or yubikake. A very elegant and stylish way to keep your accessories protected! A very elegant and stylish way to keep your accessories protected! Be sure to check out the Koma Case (Pattern) for ornate patterns!
  • These beautiful hand-crafted Naga Fukuro are lovingly sewn with high…
    These beautiful hand-crafted Naga Fukuro are lovingly sewn with high quality kimono fabric. There is only enough fabric for one Naga Fukuro, so each of these products are entirely unique and one-of-a-kind. Locally crafted in Sapporo, Japan!
  • Made with high quality Kimono fabric, these Bachi Fukuro are…
    Made with high quality Kimono fabric, these Bachi Fukuro are hand made with generous padding. With this fukuro, your bachi will be safely bundled and protected from a small fall! (Note, the main protection is around the handle and end of the blade, thus the blade might still chip if it falls directly on the blade tip)
  • If you play your shamisen and notice particular notes sounding…
    If you play your shamisen and notice particular notes sounding especially dull or harshly buzzy, there's a good chance your sao has kanberi. Kanberi is basically wear-and-tear naturally caused by the act of pressing the string against the sao repeatedly over the course of years. Releveling the sao completely removes this wear and restores the full resonance of a shamisen, making it sound brand new again. After purchasing this service, Kyle will send you an email with instructions for shipping. Please be prepared to ship your whole shamisen.
  • Looking to have the skins of your shamisen replaced with…
    Looking to have the skins of your shamisen replaced with a fresh natural skin? No problem at all! All you have to do is send your dou (soundbox) to Kyle and he will remove the old skins and replace them with new natural skins. After you order the service, Kyle will send you the shipping information and will start working on your repair as soon as he receives your dou. Note: Currently, Kyle is replacing natural skin for nagauta and jiuta shamisen. For those wanting high tension natural skin for tsugaru shamisen, he will connect you with his partner in Japan.  
     

    Possible extra costs

    1. Broken Dou: The glue on vintage shamisen is known to fail due to age. Sometimes, the corner joints of the dou are already separated and are simply held together by the skins alone! When this happens, the dou must be reglued before reskinning. Please note there may be a $50 to $100 extra fee if this happens.
    2. Rubber Pad (Dou Gomu): If your dou has a rubber pad (dou gomu) attached to it, please remove it before shipping. Unlike new dou gomu, (which peel off easily and cleanly) the rubber of old dou gomu are often partially disintegrated and crumble when trying to remove it. It's a considerable hassle, and there may be $20 extra fee to remove it.
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  • This is a standard type of Shamisen for Tsugaru style.…
    This is a standard type of Shamisen for Tsugaru style. 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 Karin Tsugaru 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!
  • The KoShamisen

    From: $1,190
    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. Important: This shamisen does NOT include any accessories required to play (no strings, plectrum, etc). Unless you already have accessories, please consider selecting The Beginner's Shamisen Accessory Set option for all the essential items required to make your shamisen playable. Otherwise, by selecting The KoShamisen only, you will receive the masterfully built shamisen in an unplayable condition. The Beginner'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!
  • The No-Limits Shamisen! An otherwise standard high quality Karin shamisen…
    The No-Limits Shamisen! An otherwise standard high quality Karin shamisen with a unique base of the sao which extends to the edge of the dou, as opposed to swooping down (the shape which is called Hatomune) 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 "No Limits" 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!
  • To learn more about The Heirloom Rose Shamisen or the…
    To learn more about The Heirloom Rose Shamisen or the accompanying accessory set, please click on their respective links below! 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 Heirloom Rose 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!
  • 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:
  • Immerse yourself in shamisen via popular culture! This is a…
    Immerse yourself in shamisen via popular culture! This is a Japanese manga about a person inspired to enter the tsugaru shamisen tournaments. It's a very popular manga and inspired many to start learning shamisen as well. Language: Japanese
  • A DVD of the movie Three String Samurai (originally called…
    A DVD of the movie Three String Samurai (originally called "Overdrive"), which starred Masahiro & Hiroshi Nitta
  • These CDs accompany the "Oyama Ryu - Minyo Collection (Books)"…
    These CDs accompany the "Oyama Ryu - Minyo Collection (Books)" as a learning resource for learning the songs.
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  • This collection of six music scores from Oyama Ryu are…
    This collection of six music scores from Oyama Ryu are all in San Sagari tuning. (C-F-Bb)
  • This collection of five music scores from Oyama Ryu are…
    This collection of five music scores from Oyama Ryu are all in Honchoushi tuning. (D-G-D, C-F-C, etc)
  • This collection of six music scores from Oyama Ryu are…
    This collection of six music scores from Oyama Ryu are all in Niagari tuning. (D-A-D, C-G-C, etc)
  • This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood…
    This set of Elite Itomaki is made from Siamese Rosewood with intense fiddleback figure. Fitted with African Blackwood pegs.
    Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page Details
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