Description
When Bachido released the Eclipse in 2016, I thought we had created one of the most beautiful shamisen in the world. Is it even possible to make another shamisen better than the Eclipse? Well guess what, it is!
Built by the makers of Eclipse, our friends at Tokyo Wagakki brings mastery from their 120 year history to present you with another spectacular masterpiece!
Akatsuki (‘Dawning’ in English) continues the legacy of the Eclipse shamisen, bringing new advances in tone and playability that accentuates the shamisen’s beauty.
Specifications
- Dou: Karin (High Grade) Size 5 (Tsugaru)
- Sao: Karin – Highest Grade (Tochi Tiger Stripe), Darkened with red urushi
Special Feature: Sao topped with solid, high grade kouki
- Sao Size: Chuzao (28.5mm wide) or Futozao (30mm wide) – Mitsuori (three-piece neck)
- Sao Shape: ‘U’ Style, ‘V’ Style
- Tenjin: Ogi Cut, Eclipse Style – Kouki extends from sao to tenjin.
- Itomaki: Nejiri (twisted) / Kouki wood joined with rosewood
- Skin: or
- Hardware: Azuma Sawari, Rindo, Zagane, and Kamigoma
- Accessories not included
Special Features
Ogi Cut (Fan cut)
One unique feature of the Akatsuki is focused on the Chibukuro, the area where the sao (neck) connected into the tenjin (headpiece). The Chibukuro typically has a convex curve. In the past, this convex curve possibly provided extra strength to the joint. Nowadays, the joint is so strong, the extra wood doesn’t serve much purpose. In fact, the extra mass can look and feel cumbersome, especially when playing position ‘1’.
We want full freedom while we’re playing shamisen, so the Ogi Cut (fan cut) has been developed. The Chibukuro is skillfully trimmed. Sleek and convexly curved, this slimmer Chibukuro is incredibly beautiful and allows us to be fully mobile as we play.
Two Sao Style Options
‘U’ Style
This is the standard shape of the sao. You will find this style on almost all shamisen. The base of the sao has a broader curve, so it fits comfortably in most hands. Because it can feel thick for some, we recommend a Chuzao size (28.5mm wide) for this style.
If you are purchasing the Akatsuki as your first shamisen, the standard ‘U’ Style would be safest choice.
‘V’ Style
If you’re like me, you’ll notice the base of a futozao (30mm wide) can feel too thick. Even though the wide fingerboard is easy to play, the thick shape feels unnecessarily big. Because of this, I (Kyle Abbott) have designed the ‘V’ Style sao. (Note: the Akatsuki displayed on this page has the ‘V’ Style)
This base of the ‘V’ Style sao is greatly reduced, making the sao feel much thinner while still providing a full futozao width (30mm). The careful shaping of the sao brings out a subtle edge along the base. This is a very unique style, ideal for experienced players who want to fine-tune their playing experience.
Comparing Akatsuki & Eclipse
Find out what separates the 2017 Akatsuki from the 2016 Eclipse.
As you can see, there are several similarities between the two shamisen. We have brought the features we love most about the Eclipse and incorporated them in with the incredible new unique advances of the Akatsuki. Because the Toguchi Karin, Ripple, and master craftsman are the same, you can read more about them on the Eclipse page.
Kyle’s Experience
When I pulled the Akatsuki from it’s box for the first time, I felt an instant sense of awe. I stared at the beautiful tenjin for what felt like hours, marveling in it’s every perfect curve and edge. This sensation continues as I play it. The Akatsuki’s tone is clear and the resonance is deep. When first playing the Akatsuki, I literally struck notes slowly so I could close my eyes and savor the pure resonance from the Akatsuki.
It should be mentioned that being used to a standard ‘U’ Style sao, it took me a short time to adapt to the new ‘V’ Style. Within 10 minutes, my hand loved the new size! It’s a real treat to enjoy a full futozao width on the fingerboard while having the comfort of a slimmer base!
Honestly, I didn’t think it was possible to see a shamisen more stunning than the Eclipse. Once again, the master craftsman at Tokyo Wagakki have shown their prowess and abilities by bringing the bond of beauty and functionality to new levels.
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
Note: A Bachido membership (free) is required to access the courses.
This is the standard shape of the sao. You will find this style on almost all shamisen. The base of the sao has a broader curve, so it fits comfortably in most hands. Because it can feel thick for some, we recommend a Chuzao size (28.5mm wide) for this style.
If you’re like me, you’ll notice the base of a futozao (30mm wide) can feel too thick. Even though the wide fingerboard is easy to play, the thick shape feels unnecessarily big. Because of this, I (Kyle Abbott) have designed the ‘V’ Style sao. (Note: the Akatsuki displayed on this page has the ‘V’ Style)
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