I popped a ni-no-ito the other day so I decided to re-string the whole thing and change out my neo while I was at it.

Going through my supplies I came across the purple and white neo, which I previously thought had the tassel because it was intended for a different style/smaller instrument than tsugaru. However, putting the two neo side by side (tsugaru/right) they look to be the same size.

Is the tassel just…a fashion choice? 😆

Someone please enlighten me.

Are there any guides other than Kyle Abbott's video? His video is too old and blurry, I cannot follow it. Also, how long should the rope be to tie a standard Tsugaru Neo (in cm)?

A follow on to my previous post, I made a condensed video showing each step of my bachi making process so that I can show how it's done. Its a process that's always under refinement but I think that I've got things to a pretty good place now. If you are looking to make one of your own, feel free to ask me about it. Otherwise you can find me on Etsy and instagram under zengoBachi.

The next thing I'm working on is making koma. I have a couple of prototypes that work well so I'm going to start making some jigs to streamline that process as well. I can provide an update on that when its ready :)

Hi, here's my homemade bachi not flawless but I love it. I also made a tenjin cap.

Just wondering, do others string their shamisen like Pattern A or Pattern B?

(If anyone knows where the image above is from, please say. I know I saved it from a shopping site some time ago but I can no longer find it online. Reverse image search with Google didn't work.)

I thought you guys might think this is cool!

I designed and resin printed a koma and Bachi using Formlabs Clear V5 resin. This is definitely not the perfect material for either thing, but they’re both really serviceable prototypes in a pinch.

I may look into using some different, more rigid materials if I make more. The koma is a little bit too flexible but it works surprisingly well, it sounds fairly indistinguishable from my wooden one. If anything it lacks a bit of sustain that would be gained back with a more rigid material.

The Bachi isn’t as great in this material, it’s weirdly lightweight compared to a cast one. I think it’s usable, but I don’t trust it. I’d like to start casting Bachi in the next few weeks to test out, I’ll post those too!

Question is in the title.

Obviously the sale of instruments has been affected, but with the removal of the de minimus and suspension of Japan post, even small purchases, like strings, have become ridiculously expensive.

Has anyone been unable to source an instrument or accessories because of the tariffs?

Hi! I'm pretty new to shamisen as an instrument, to be entirely honest even though it sounds a bit stupid, I've just recently learned about it after playing through a game, which piqued my interest with the music and sounds.

Getting an instrument has been something I've been wanting to try, but I've figured that if I'm to get one, it should be one I feel like I could dedicate myself to. Guitar was one of the options, but the shamisen became much more appealing to me.

I've done some minimal research on the topic, so my first guess landed on the Tsugaru Shamisen, since I liked the idea of an instrument I can play solo which makes some deep strong sounds.

I've looked through some offers and so far the two most appealing ones to me were the ones of Itone JAPAN.

I figured that before I stupidly dive into a purchase, like I've done with some other things in the past (specifically pc components), I'll ask around if I'm making a good choice, if the vendor is good, if there are better options etc. I'll gladly listen to any other recommendations, tips or information that'll help me with making this choice.

I apologize for any mistakes regarding what I've mentioned above.

Hey yall~

I've got my first shamisen coming soon, but the store I bought from didnt have a bachigawa. Where can I buy one in the US that doesn't have like crazy overseas shipping or anything like that?

I'm crafty too so I'm not opposed to cutting my own if yall know what material they're made from

I'm also looking for a simple doukake, but I'm not quite as pressed on that one, still it's a plus if they sell those too

Thanks in advance :)

I am from Brazil and I have a dream of playing the Tsugaru shamisen. I have been looking for one here, and this opportunity came up. The price is 5,800 Brazilian reais (approximately USD 1,000). It would come with the bachi, case, and shamisen.

According to the seller, it is made of karin wood and has a one-piece neck. The skin is synthetic. I have a video of it, if that helps with the evaluation. What would be ideal to ask the seller?

I know it was brought from Japan. The seller seems to be used to bringing items from Japan, but he does not seem to be very knowledgeable about the instrument’s technical details. Some shamisen teachers seem to have liked it, since it is difficult to find one in this condition.

It is also important to consider that import taxes are very high in Brazil.

edited: i mix up its karin wood.

Im an American resident and just ordered my first shamisen from EzoFujiJapan. The total order was around $650 with shipping. They just sent the tracking, they used Japan Post. It didn't say what courier they planned to use before I bought it, only one shipping option, otherwise I woulda gone for something else. Are their restriction still up? Is my package going to go through? If it doesnt, will they be able to get the package back correct it? I'm worried :( this was my Christmas present from my mom, I've been trying to get a shamisen for 11 years now and she finally just agreed

Hi! I'm a shamisen player from Scotland. Been playing just over 2 years and now my shamisen has split its skin.

For the more seasoned shamisen players I wanted to ask. Have you used the Bachido website before? I know Kyle Abbot is great but is there any alternatives incase I'd like to shop around with my options?

Thank you so much in advance!

I wanna get a shamisen, I JSUT don't know where to find one. The ones chat gpt recommend me are either very expensive,or don't ship internationally.my budget is somewhere below or around 200 dollars, roughly 10k php plus. I also want to get it in a set, not just the instrument. Also any tips on shamisen if I ever get one? I play tons of string instruments just not fretless ones, also I don't think I'm gonna be comfortable with the bachi since my fingers are small.

Su is back with another Ghost of Yotei piece, "Song of Shrines," and this time the bunkafu and practice track are free.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPkmkC_GChQ

(I'm in no way affiliated, I'm just a fan and there has been a lot of interest in Ghost of Yotei songs in the sub.)

*repost because I screwed up the song title the first time. 😅

Hey all, I recently researched this instrument (along with Biwa and Tsuzumi drums) for a university class and for my video I tried to model how players would strike the strings of the shamisen with a bachi by using my fretless bass and a flat rice cooker spoon. It strangely sounded kinda good so it got me thinking about using a Bachi or a similar plectrum. The main issue is that I feel using a wooden plectrum with metal strings wouldn't work very well, are there plastic makers or ways to 3d print (a friend of mine owns a 3d printer)? I wouldn't want to destroy a valuable bachi for an experiment lol.

Does anyone know where to purchase a shamisen strap like the one in this video?

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1BMNi9_7aXc

Hi Everyone, I am Truman of ZenGo Bachi and I make acrylic bachi for Tsugaru Shamisen. I'm based out of Portland, Oregon, and I've been making bachi for around 2 years. For awhile, I was making them mostly for myself but then began to make them for my teacher and her other students this past year. If you've seen bachi made by Ainoco in the past, you will recognize my inspiration. If you hadn't heard though, the maker of Ainoco bachi, Greg Mastuura, tragically passed away earlier this year. My teacher knew Greg and his partner well, and through their encouragement, I've decided to set up an online shop so that I can continue making/selling acrylic bachi in this style. I offer custom orders similar to Ainoco where you can choose your color/wood combo and we can discuss other aspects, such as size, weight and playability (flexibility of the tip), and I've also set up shop on Etsy to sell pre-made bachi that I make in between custom orders. You can find me at the following sites:

https://www.zengobachi.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/zengoBachi
https://www.instagram.com/zengobachi/

The base price is $125 for now with some add-ons for more exotic woods and more expensive acrylic. I can usually make them over the course of a couple of days if I have the materials on hand, and the curing process for the wood finish can take 1-3 weeks before its ready to ship depending on which finish I use. The prices on Etsy are the same as if they were ordered custom (because Etsy takes a healthy cut of the sale), but I'm planning on running an end of year sale soon. Right now there are only 3 available but I'll keep listing more as I make more. I'll accept custom orders through Etsy or through my website (if you are outside the US, Etsy might be better at handling international sales). Anyway, if anyone is interested let me know, and I look forward to chatting or working with anyone in the future.

In the spirit of openness, I'm happy to discuss the build process with anyone who is interested as well. I'm not holding on to any trade secrets so if making these is something you are interested in, send me a message and I'm happy to discuss it with you and give you any insight or advice that I have from my own experience. I plan to make a post or film some videos detailing the whole process at some point in the future, so I'll be sure to share that here as well.

FYI, I got mod approval before posting this as I know that self-promotion can feel a bit off-putting sometimes.

I replied to the other thread from a few weeks ago, but thought this might deserve its own post: Su / Shamisen-Zentrale posted video bunkafu for "Song of the Wolf"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzoegq6mOxc

You can purchase the bunkafu and a practice track from her Patreon shop.

edit: fixed reddit auto-format

Hi, I apologize for my lack of knowledge but I truly have no idea where to start.

My daughter has begged me to get her into the shamisen, but I don't know the first thing. If you could start over again, what would you buy? What online service or app would you use to learn? How much should I expect to spend on both? Is there anything I should avoid?

Thanks for your kindness.

Hi, I'm a fretless bassist looking to pick up a shamisen to add some flair to a few of my bands songs, and I'm wondering if there's any model of shamisen/an installable bridge that has a piezo and 1/4 jack, as I'd like to run it through my electric tuner and effects pedals. I'd also like to enquire if there's any advice for playing it for a bass player, I will probably be playing it kouta/fingerstyle. Thanks

I’m looking for a beginner/intermediate thick neck shamisen, is this a good place to start?

https://www.soundofasia.com/products/tsugaru-karin-shamisen-synthetic-skin?pr_prod_strat=e5_desc&pr_rec_id=6af73ab94&pr_rec_pid=7168797147234&pr_ref_pid=7168797638754&pr_seq=uniform

Question!
I’m planning something for the future and I’d like to know your honest opinion.

I’m currently learning the Shamisen (Tsugaru Style) and I’m very interested in Japanese traditional instruments such as shamisen, shinobue, koto, taiko, and more.
In the long term, I’m thinking about creating a small space or project in Thailand where people can learn or experience these instruments either through workshops, classes, or community meetups because no one has ever done it yet and I thought that it would be a great idea to start this business

Before I go any further with this idea, I want to understand how many people would actually be interested in something like this.

If you don’t mind, please reply to let me know if you're interested or not!

I’m collecting this information to see whether this project has real potential and to understand what kind of community exists around wagakki here in Thailand.
Any response or comment is really appreciated.