Minyo Beginner Shamisen Set “Noriko”

If you’re looking for a versatile instrument with all the trimmings you need to get started, “Noriko” is a great fit! The instrument is in superb condition – treat her well and you’ll stay happy together ever after 🙂

A truly beautiful shamisen with a medium-sized neck (chuuzao), typically used for Minyo 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. The neck has a balanced size and should be comfortable for anyone, really.

Wood:

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

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a purple doukake (body cover) and a matching purple neo. Also included in the package are a set of fresh strings, an attached position marker (fujaku strip), a tenjin cap, and a dougomu – a full set!

The dou is skinned with Hibiki on the front side – the newest generation of synthetic skins with a warm tone that’s closer to the sound of natural skins than any of its predecessors. The back side still has its original natural skin on.

Neck:

This neck is 28 mm wide and 29 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. The neck joints fit so well that you can’t really tell it’s put together from three parts! Heavenly smootheness!

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) 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. The joints of this instrument are more intricately carved and have an extra good fit with high durability.

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.