Description
Special Edition Upgrades
To celebrate the return of the legendary Eclipse, we’ve worked with the master craftsmen at Tokyo Wagakki in adding new features to this model.
Kouki Fingerboard: Kouki imparts a crisper tone than Shitan (which imparts a warmer tone). The tone is still very balanced, but the tone color just leans a bit sharper/brighter. I tend to enjoy a crispier tone, so I’m a huge fan of the karin/kouki wood combination on the sao. Furthermore, it’s very fun to watch the kouki “age” over time. Kouki on a freshly made shamisen starts out vivid red, and over a year or two turns to a deep red (sometimes almost black) color. The color contrast with the tochikarin is absolutely stunning!
V-Neck/Ogi Cut Chibukuro: Inspired by the Akatsuki, this Special Edition sports the Akatsuki’s iconic Ogi Cut Chibukuro. Such a cutout design makes position ‘1’ easier to press, but it also looks very stylish! The sao also is shaped to the slender V shape, which is more ergonomic than the standard U shape (which can be unwieldly in the Futozao size.)
Ayasugi: Ayasugi (綾杉彫りto be specific) is an ornate herring bone pattern carved into the dou’s inner cavity. Traditionally, Ayasugi was added to shamisen made with high figured woods. Not because the herring bone pattern benefits sound quality (which some believe it to be), but rather to enhance the visual beauty. Shamisen made with high figured woods is already a visual work of art, and so if a customer was requesting such high quality woods, the craftsmen would carve the pattern to turn their shamisen into a full masterpiece.
Non-Slip Itomaki Upgrade
Now available for all new shamisen made by Tokyo Wagakki! Standard itomaki are basically friction pegs, and players must occasionally push the itomaki inwards while twisting to reset the tight grip. A common frustration with shamisen is the itomaki can slip loosen if a player forgets to tighten, or if the pegs aren’t fitted perfectly. To remedy this, Tokyo Wagakki makes and installs special hardware into the ends of the itomaki, which keeps the itomaki tight and turning smoothly without any effort. Please watch the video above for in-depth installation instructions!
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!
Specifications
- Size: Your Choice of Chuzao (Mid-Size) or Futozao (Large Size)
- Sao: Tochikarin (Figured Karin) with Kouki (Zitan) fingerboard – 28mm wide x 33mm thick (Chuzao) or 30mm wide x 35mm thick (Futozao) – Mitsuori (three-piece neck)
- Itomaki: Nejiri (twisted) / Satinwood joined with rosewood
- Skin: or
- Dou: Karin – Size 5 (Tsugaru) Ayasugi carving
- Hardware: Azuma Sawari, Rindo, Zagane, and Kamigoma
- Accessories not included
(Note: Each shamisen is built per order. Please allow 9 to 11 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!
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.
