Description
If you’re like me, you feel the shamisen is unquestionably an amazing work of art. The many curves catch the light in perfect ways. I love the stunning image of the shamisen and am always left with a smile while admiring the sheer beauty.
This being said, a close colleague informed me of a rare masterpiece-level shamisen being masterfully crafted with only a limited number in existence. As one who is so focused on accessibility, the idea of a limited-edition shamisen made me think, “What’s the point?”.
(Update: Due to a discovery of more materials, this instrument is no longer extremely-limited!)
Well, that thought immediately vanished when I laid my eyes on Eclipse! Without further rambling, please enjoy the gallery and let the pictures explain why this instrument is such a masterpiece.
Specifications
- Dou: Karin (High Grade) Size 5 (Tsugaru)
- Sao: Karin – Highest Grade (Toguchi Tiger Stripe)
Special Feature: Sao topped with solid, high grade shitan (rosewood)
- Sao Size: 28.5mm wide x 33.5mm thick – Mitsuori (three-piece neck)
- Itomaki: Nejiri (twisted) / Satin wood joined with rosewood
- Skin: or
- Hardware: Azuma Sawari, Rindo, Zagane, and Kamigoma
- Accessories not included
Eclipse: A Master’s Dedication
Eclipse is a incredibly unique shamisen for many reasons. After viewing the gallery, you might wonder why so much masterful detail was used for a karin-based shamisen (in a time when kouki is, in my opinion, mistakenly regarded as a superior wood). The inspiration all starts with the karin wood.
Toguchi: Tiger Stripe
When the highest-level master shamisen craftsman were inspired to make Eclipse, they weren’t looking at ordinary Karin wood. They had the highest grade and rarest variety of Karin. This Karin wood features a very intricate tiger stripe grain called Toguchi.
Karin featuring tiger stripe grain is so difficult to find, and the master craftsman thought there was only enough for ten shamisen. They decided to dedicate their immense skill to make these shamisen the most incredible masterpieces never seen before in Japan.
The Mark of a Master
To enjoy the beauty of Toguchi Karin and still achieve the clean tone of a hard surface, the craftsmen topped the sao with solid rosewood!
But that isn’t all! The craftsmen wanted to deeply express how unique these shamisen are. Together, they pushed the limits of their mastery by perfectly extending the rosewood past the sao, connecting it with the tenjin and flowing it back into the Karin wood!
Because kouki is still viewed as the number one wood in Japan, it’s unfortunate that this beautiful work from master Japanese craftsman will most likely be overlooked in Japan. However, they wanted to honor this wood and are very proud of their work. This is the result of decades of experience from a workshop with history over 120 years! Bachido recognizes their dedication and passion, and is honored to be the first to reveal this masterpiece to the world!
Kyle’s Experience
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect when picking up Eclipse. But after playing a few notes, my jaw dropped. This is the best shamisen I have ever played!
Everything about Eclipse felt right. My hands enjoyed the lighter weight combined with the hard topside for clear intonation. My eyes were feasting on the beautiful tiger stripe grain while my ears peaked at the clarity from every note! The sawari (buzzing) effect was alive and energetic, and the tone was incredibly resonant and booming. I could fully express a whole range of emotions through the instrument.
The master craftsman committed themselves to create a masterpiece, and I believe they’ve succeeded.
Purchase your Eclipse
(Note: Each shamisen is built per order. Please allow six to eight weeks for construction)
Get your Accessories!
To bring the price as low as possible, all recommended accessories are sold separately. Find them below, and get cases or other accessories in the Bachido Store!. (The Starling Shamisen is shipped from a separate dealer, and can’t be combined with other items from the Bachido Store. Sorry!)
Special Bonus!
To help you get started with your brand-new Eclipse, 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.
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