Minyo Shamisen Set “Hoshiko”

I gave this shamisen the name “Hoshiko” (星子) — a child of the stars. Not only is it as beautiful as if it was sent from the mighty heavens, but every note you play will feel like tracing new constellations across the velvet sky.

A truly beautiful shamisen with a medium-sized neck (chuuzao), typically used for Minyou playing style. Thanks to the adjustable azuma sawari, this shamisen can have its delightful buzz no matter how high or low you tune your instrument.

Wood:

This instrument’s neck is made from koki wood – the most sought-after wood in contemporary shamisen culture. A true gem and a feast for all the senses.

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a vibrant purple neo and a black vintage leather doukake. Also included in the package are a set of fresh strings, a tenjin cap, and a dougomu.

The dou is 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.

Neck:

This neck is 29 mm wide and 28,75 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 27,5 mm wide at the narrow end. Its hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – ends in a sharp edge that makes it possible to play up to position 20 and slightly beyond on this instrument. I left the markings on the side of the neck (see photos) from the previous owner because I think they are pretty useful. The fingerboard is heavenly smooth and lets you glide along the neck like an eagle soaring on a current of wind!

Itomaki:

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and have a very balanced size that makes tuning comfortable and easy.

Sawari (buzz):

The installed azuma sawari lets you adjust the sawari (buzz) to your liking. This means you can switch it off completely (for modern pieces, pop/rock/metal genres or certain ensembles) and also have the perfect buzz no matter how high or low you tune your shamisen.

More:

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) has a little nick – it must have bumped into a hard surface. Ouch! With the protective tenjin cap on the little imperfection stays invisible though. The instrument’s wood has a beautiful deep and dark brown 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 very well crafted which will provide an extra tight fit.

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.