Chuuzao Shamisen Set “Ayane” – great for larger hands

Now this is a shamisen that’s worth a second and a third look! It’s still considered a medium-sized neck, but at the wider end of the spectrum. That makes it easy to play even if you have larger hands! The style of this shamisen is associated with Jiuta style, but it really is very versatile and makes any kind of style fun to play. As a chuuzao neck shamisen, it is a good choice for everyone who doesn’t know where the shamisen journey might take him or her. The width makes it comfortable to play no matter what hand size you have, and the thickness/height of the neck makes gripping it feel super easy!

The choice of koma, bachi, and your playing style/technique and songs ultimately make the difference between “Tsugaru”, “Jiuta”, “Nagauta” and the other shamisen music styles. So I think “Ayane” is a super great choice for any kind of style because it’s very well crafted but isn’t as pricey as a futozao (thick neck) that requires more wood in the production.

The instrument is made from beautiful shitan wood – a high-end hardwood traditionally used for shamisen. I paired the instrument with a deep blue doukake with a traditional Japanese golden kikko pattern a matching dark blue neo. It’s a beautiful combo that matches the instrument’s beautiful sound! This set comes with many accessories: Also included in the package is a set of attached strings, a tenjin cap, a dougomu, a bachigawa, and a doukake gomu (provides a nice grip for your lower arm). The dou is skinned with tight natural skins that makes this shamisen sound really really nice.

If you don’t have one lying around to use, please consider getting a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin from humidity.

This neck is 27,5 mm wide and 31 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. That’s pretty thick for this kind of shamisen. The fingerboard ends in a sharp angle that makes playing high notes up to 20 and beyond possible.

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition. 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 are crafted in a more intricate manner that allows for an extra durable snug fit of the joints.

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and are carved in a traditional way that makes them easy to grip despite their relatively slender built.

This instrument is a great companion and has a warm and full sound. If you have any further questions, reach out and send me a message and I’ll be happy to help.

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. 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.