Hosozao Shamisen Set “Genji”

  • hosozao shamisen (sao width: 25,5 mm, height: 28 mm)
  • made from tochi koki wood
  • fantastic joints
  • natural back and front skins

also included in the set:

  • neo
  • doukake
  • strings
  • tenjin cap

1.275,00 

Out of stock

Details

Meet Genji, the most beautiful Hosozao Shamisen in Europe! The style of this shamisen is (hosozao), typically used for Nagauta playing style. Judging from the build and sound, this instrument must have belonged to a shamisen master. Just look at the gorgeous tiger-stripes of the wood! This pattern is visible both on the top of the fingerboard as well as around the neck. In my eyes, there’s nothing more beautiful than the sun making this pattern gleam and shine.

The instrument is made from tochi koki wood – that’s extraordinarily beautifully figured koki wood. Koki is the supreme choice for the best shamisen. The wood itself makes for the authentic ideal sound that Japanese are looking for in a shamisen. The figuration adds a special sparkle that makes this instrument a complete package of gorgeousness. The instrument comes with a fantastic orange and white neo with tassles and a gorgeous classic blue doukake with chrysanthemums (kiku). Also included in the package is a set of attached strings and a tenjin cap. The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music. The joints are in absolutely fantastic condition and the neck feels absolutely seamless. There’s the tinest dent at the side of the neck around position 3.

If you don’t have one lying around to use, please consider getting a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin from humidity.

This neck is 25,5 mm wide and 28 mm high/thick 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.

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 carved in an especially intricate way that make the parts of the neck fit together even more snugly.

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.

This instrument is a feast for the eyes and ears alike. 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.