The Raven Shamisen

Description

At Bachido, we’re proud to exclusively offer creative styles of shamisen made by the most respected makers in Japan. With the shamisen crafted by trusted craftsman at Tokyo Wagakki (the oldest shamisen workshop in the Tokyo area), we have confidence that our new shamisen styles will be fully realized at the highest quality possible! Like the Sakura, Eclipse and Akatsuki, our newest model proudly continues the line of exclusive and top-grade Shamisen at Bachido. With the Eclipse and Akatsuki available as our high end shamisen, we wanted to offer another mid-range model as an alternative to the Sakura Shamisen (Pink is a bit bold for some). I present to you, The Raven.

Specifications

• Size: Your Choice of Chuzao (Mid-Size) or Futozao (Large Size)
• Sao: Shitan (Rosewood) – 28mm wide x 33mm thick (Chuzao) or 30mm wide x 35mm thick (Futozao) – Mitsuori (three-piece neck)
• Itomaki: Color infused Acrylic (with metal core)
• Skin: Hibiki (Black/White Synthetic) or Vintage Tone (Natural)
• Dou: Karin – Size 5 (Tsugaru)
• Hardware: Azuma Sawari, Rindo, Zagane, and Kamigoma
• Accessories not included

Color Burst Within Darkness

The Raven is made with high quality Shitan (rosewood). Shitan shamisen are pretty common, so to add our unique flavor, we’ve asked the makers at Tokyo Wagakki to expertly darken the shitan with urushi (non-allergenic). This brings an incredible new visual element to the shitan. When the background is lighter/whiter, the Raven looks black as midnight. However, carry the Raven to a darker background and suddenly the natural brown color of the rosewood pops out! I (Kyle Abbott) have never seen a shamisen like this. The visual element is just as captivating as the tone! Admiring it’s shining curves, I can proudly say this is a beautiful shamisen. While we’re listing this as a ‘mid-range’ shamisen, the quality is nothing short of top grade.

The dou is standard Size 5 for tsugaru style. Combined with the Shitan sao, I enjoyed wonderful clarity with warm resonance of the sawari. The sao is incredibly smooth with low action, which meant it’s very easy to play and yield high sustain with suri (slide), uchi (hammer-on) and such techniques.

Order the Raven Shamisen!

(Note: Each shamisen is built per order. Please allow six to eight weeks for construction)

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

Note: A Bachido membership (free) is required to access the courses.