Minyo Shamisen Set “Chiharu”

Can’t decide what style to play? In my eyes, a shamisen like this one combines the best of all styles! This style of shamisen is associated with Minyo style, but it really is very versatile and makes any kind of style fun to play. It’s also pretty close to a futozao shamisen and will make playing Tsugaru style fun, too. As a chuuzao neck shamisen, it is a good choice for everyone who doesn’t know where the shamisen journey might take him or her. The width makes it comfortable to play no matter what hand size you have, and the thickness/height of the neck makes gripping it feel super easy!

This instrument is a true beauty. It has been crafted with great care – just look at how gorgeous the soundbox corner looks and take a closer look at the intricately carved joints! And not to mention the luscious gleam of the wood. But it has also been involved in some kind of accident that made its tenjin crack. You can see the repair line on the back of the tenjin (see last couple of pictures). It’s been repaired well and is stable in playing. But this flaw explains the sensational price.

I paired the instrument with a gorgeous reddish and silver doukake and a matching neo. Also included in the package is a set of attached strings and a tenjin cap. And I’m throwing in a washi bag on top. The wood has a gorgeous grain that really pops in bright light. It’s a true joy.

The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music. The joints are crafted in a more intricate way to make them more durable. They have a snug and tight fit.

This fingerboard is 27,5 mm wide and the neck 29 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. This makes the neck feel sturdy and super comfortable to play. The fingerboard ends in a sharp angle that makes playing high notes up to 20 and beyond possible.

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.

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition. 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 crafted in a more intricate manner that allows for an extra durable snug fit of the joints.

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are the typical minyo size which is right in between the slender size of hosozao shamisen and the chunky pegs usual for futozao shamisen. That makes them easy to grip while making the instrument fit in a normal case. This instrument is a great companion and has a warm and full sound. 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. I also recommend getting an adhesive dougomu or a hizagomu that will prevent the instrument from slipping off your thigh. 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.