Hosozao Beginner Shamisen Set “Momoe”

I named this shamisen “Momoe” (桃恵) because of the sweet color combo. The name means “peach” (桃) and “wisdom” (恵) and symbolizes beauty and kindness. I imagine this shamisen will become someone’s first shamisen, so I wish for whoever plays it to be kind to themselves when feeling the struggles of exploring shamisen music 🙂 Beauty is what you create with this beautiful instrument. I hope you hear the beauty you bring into the world by making music!

The instrument is in very good condition – it shall make you happy for many, many years to come. The joints have a tight fit and the flower-design zagane (metal fittings that hold the tuning pegs) add an extra layer of beauty and are a great reminder of how the Japanese pay attention to creating beauty in little details.

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 not too slender and comfortable to play.

Wood:

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

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a green doukake with a stylized pattern called “kikko”. The shape symbolizes turtle shells and stands for good luck and protection! May it bring you luck and protect your beautiful shamisen! The neo has a peach color – so the green stands for the lush peach tree leaves and the peach neo for the sweet fruit. Also included in the package is a set of fresh strings, a dougomu, and a tenjin cap. The dou is freshly skinned with hibiki synthetic skin on the front and has a natural back skin.

Neck:

This neck is 27 mm high/thick at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 25 mm wide 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. Their metal fittings – zagane – are intricately crafted in a beautiful flower design.

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 are in tip top shape and connect so well that it’s hard to tell the neck is not made from one piece when assembled.

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 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.