Hosozao Beginner Shamisen Set “Hanae”

I named this shamisen “Hanae” (英恵) after the Japanese fashion designer MORI Hanae. I think shamisen are highly aesthetic instruments and I love everything about their shape and details. Hanae, too, has beautiful details that will catch your eye, such as the flower-shaped zagane – that’s the metal fittings that hold the itomaki.

The instrument is in very good condition and has almost everything you need to start playing (see below for what kind of accessories you need to pick yourself).

The style of this shamisen is (hosozao), typically used for Nagauta, Kouta and Hauta playing style. This particular instrument has a neck that’s pretty average, meaning I would not recommend it for people with large hands or very long fingers.

Wood:

The instrument is made from karin wood – an established choice for beginner instruments.

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a dark blue doukake with stylized flowers and a contrasting red neo with thin white stripes. A really cute combo! Also included in the package is a set of fresh strings, an attached position marker (fujaku strip), a dougomu, and a tenjin cap!  A super full package! The dou is freshly skinned with hibiki synthetic skins on the front and back.

Neck:

This neck is 26,25 mm wide and 25,75 mm high/thick at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 24,75 mm wide at the narrow end. The elegantly slanted hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – is typical for hosozao shamisen associated with Nagauta style. You can play up to position 19 with this kind of neck.

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 reddish shade and beautiful grain. 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.

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.

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.

If you have any further questions, reach out and send me a message and I’ll be happy to help.