Details
Have a look at this happy, motivating shamisen! 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 pretty slender. If you have really large hands, you might feel more comfortable with a slightly wider neck.
The instrument is made from karin wood – an established choice for beginner instruments. The instrument comes with a cute red-and-white neo and a happy yellow doukake with colorful seasonal plants. Also included in the package is a set of attached strings and an attached fujaku strip (position marker). The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music. There’s some discolorations on the skins as you can see in the pictures. The tension is not extremely tight but still very fine to play (also, less tense skins tend to not break as easily) and make the instrument have a pleasant tone for indoor playing.
This neck is 24,5 mm wide and 26 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. You can play up to position 19 with this kind of neck.
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 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.
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.
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.