Hosozao Shamisen Set “Koharu”

I named this shamisen “Koharu” (小春) – a name that carries warmth and quiet charm, just like the instrument itself. Its sound is gentle, its body bears the marks of time, and every imperfection tells a story.

The instrument is vintage – the zagane (peg fittings) are super special, the neck is a bit warped – I wouldn’t make it my main instrument, but it has charm and character and is an artifact of Japanese culture and history.

The style of this shamisen is (hosozao), typically used for Nagauta, Kouta and Hauta playing style. Neck sizes vary within the building types, and this one is on the narrower end – typical for instruments of this age. If you have large hands or stronger fingers, I recommend looking for a slightly wider neck. Ask away if you need more help with picking an instrument.

Wood:

The instrument’s neck is made from shitan wood – a traditional high-end hardwood for shamisen making. It was the #1 wood for shamisen building before koki wood’s deep dark sheen and crazy figurations emerged in the last decades. This means even when you advance as a player, this instrument will still sound great and never sound like “not enough”. In my personal opinion, shitan wood sounds livelier and more multi-faceted than koki. It’s personal preference, what you think is best.

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a cute flowery doukake and a gentle pink neo that reminds of sakura (cherry) blossoms. Also included in the package is a set of fresh strings, a dougomu, and a tenjin cap! The dou is skinned with synthetic skin on the front and natural skins on the back.

Neck:

This fingerboard is 23 mm wide at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The neck width is 24 and the height measures 24,5 mm 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) has been sanded down by its previoius owner to repair a previous crack. The instrument’s wood has a warm brown 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.

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.