Tsugaru Bachi | Bekko | M/L

Traditional bekko bachi for Tsugaru playing style. Bekko bachi are the standard for Tsugaru playing style. The flexibility of the blade and the distinct snapping sound when striking the strings is an important nuance of the authentic sound of Tsugaru Shamisen. Playing with a bekko bachi feels entirely different from playing with a standard student plastic bachi. And it transforms the sound of your shamisen immensely, too.

The blade of this particular bachi is rather stiff and sturdy. The coloring reminds of sweet caramel swirls. The corners show only the slightest signs of use and feel basically like new.

The handle is made from plastic and rather long and should be comfortable for players with medium or larger hands. There’s a fine glued crack at the end of the hilt that grants you a sweet discount.

With its weight of 108 grams, this bachi is on the lighter side. I think lightweight bachi are great for beginners because the hand can relax more easily.

If you’re just starting out with playing the shamisen: It’s pretty common that the bachi feels a bit weird at the beginning. But it should not cause any pain – neither in wrist nor in any of the fingers of your bachi hand. Please make sure not to grip the bachi handle when playing but to have the bachi wedged in your hand in a relaxed way (I know, it’s hard! But that really is the key to a healthy swing, painless play and a great tone).