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 line of colorful Lacquered Doukake are made by Kyle…This line of colorful 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.
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.
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.
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.
This is a Leather Doukake for Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5…This is a Leather Doukake for Tsugaru Shamisen (Size 5 dou).
Shamisen Fusion Duet album; Recorded by Yuzu Natsumi (Vocals, Keyboard)…Shamisen Fusion Duet album; Recorded by Yuzu Natsumi (Vocals, Keyboard) Kyle Abbott (Shamisen, Mandolin, Guitar), Karl Hedlund (Bass), and Eien Hunter-Ishikawa (Taiko, Shinobue). Ships from California.
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.
The third album by Monsters of Shamisen! [fusion_button link="https://bachido.bandcamp.com/album/resonance" title=""…The third album by Monsters of Shamisen!
The 2nd studio album from Monsters of Shamisen. Ships from…The 2nd studio album from Monsters of Shamisen. Ships from California.
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)
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!