Hosozao Shamisen Set “Himari”

The style of this shamisen is hosozao, typically associated with Nagauta playing style. The skins are in good condition and have a good tension resulting in a bright and full tone.

The instrument is made from karin wood – an established choice for beginner instruments. The instrument comes with a violet neo and a golden doukake with colorful flowers. Also included in the package is a set of attached strings and a protective tenjin cap. The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music. There are the slightest smudges on the skin from playing. The skins are in very good shape though!

This neck is 24 mm wide and 25 mm high/thick at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. It has an elegantly slanted hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – which is typical for hosozao shamisen associated with Nagauta style. The fingerboard has been freshly flattened (kanberi) because this instrument had been thoroughly played by its previous owner. This is a standard maintenance procedure to keep the instrument in shape!

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) in in perfect shape. The neck is crafted in mitsuori style: It can be separated into three parts. This makes travelling with the shamisen very easy – even if you have to get by with light and small luggage. The joints have a good and tight fit.

The zagane (metal fittings that hold the tuning pegs) are intricately shaped into flowers and are a beautiful eye-catcher.

All you need to add to your set to start playing are a koma, a bachi and a yubisuri. Depending on the style you intend to play and your personal preferences, you want to pick a certain kind of koma and bachi. Yubisuri come in different sizes, and I didn’t want to deprive you of the difficult yet fun choice between all the wonderful colors. I also recommend getting an adhesive dougomu or a hizagomu that will prevent the instrument from slipping off your thigh. Depending on your personal needs, you might want to consider getting a fujaku strip to mark the positions along the neck. Alternatively, you can mark positions individually or play without any markings.

If you need help with picking the right additions to this set, don’t hesitate to send a message and we will find the perfect match for you together.