Hosozao Shamisen Set “Otoha” – synthetic skins

Ready for some sparkle? Otoha has got your back! The style of this shamisen is (hosozao), typically used for Nagauta, Kouta and Hauta playing style. This instrument is a fine beginner shamisen with synthetic skins and a three part neck which makes it especially easy to take on trips. It’s equipped with a dougomu (rubber pad). The neck is pretty sturdy for this category of shamisen. So if you have larger hands but really don’t want to get a chuuzao or futozao shamisen, this is the instrument I’d recommend for you. Send me a message if you’re not sure and need some more detailed consulting 🙂

The neck and is made from karin wood – the established choice for beginner instruments nowadays. The instrument comes with a beautiful golden doukake with and a classic purple neo. Also included in the package is a set of fresh strings. The dou is freshly skinned with Hibiki – the newest generation of synthetic skins with a warm tone that’s closer to the sound of natural skins than any of its predecessors. Hibiki skin is extremely durable and robust. In comparison to natural skin, you don’t have to worry about humidity or sudden rain when playing the shamisen outdoors (you’ll still want to try to avoid both to protect the wood though). This means, you won’t need to use a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin.

The fingerboard is 26 mm wide and the neck is 27,75 mm high 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. You can play up to position 19 with this kind of neck.

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 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.

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. If it seems helpful to you, maybe add a positionmarker (fujaku strip), too.

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.