Chuuzao Jiuta Shamisen Set “Kōrin” /// CHECK >> photos are nagauta

I named this shamisen “Kōrin” (光琳) — a name that reflects the quiet radiance of this instrument. It means “shining elegance,” a fitting expression for wood that reveals its beauty with the slightest spark of light.

A truly beautiful shamisen with a medium-sized neck (chuuzao), typically used for Jiuta playing style. The most obvious difference to a Minyo style shamisen is the lack of an azuma sawari, a mechanism to easily adjust the instrument’s buzz on the big string. Kōrin has a rather slender neck, so I recommend it for people with medium sized or smaller hands for the best playing experience.

Wood:

This instrument’s neck is made from tochi koki wood – the most sought-after wood in contemporary shamisen culture that is getting more and more rare nowadays. It has really beautiful figurations that gleam in the light. 

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a traditional orange silk doukake (cover) with a kimono-style graphic pattern and a contrasting blue neo (string holder). Also included in the package is a set of new strings, and a tenjin cap.

The dou still has the original natural skins on. If you are worried about climate fluctuations, I recommend getting a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin.

Neck:

This neck is 28,75 mm wide and 27,75 mm high/thick at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 27 mm wide at the narrow end. The fingerboard ends in a sharp edge which expands the positions you can play on this shamisen. You can play beyond position 20 with this kind of fingerboard.

Itomaki:

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

More:

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition, and the instrument’s wood has a beautiful shade. 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 carved in an especially durable and intricate way which ensures a fantastic joint fit even after many years of assembly and disassembly.

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.