Tsugaru Bachi | Bekko | 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 medium flexible. The coloring of the blade reminds me of a caramel swirl praline! Held against light you can see how the warm brown and yellow mingle and create this beautiful pattern.

The corners show minimal signs of use and are in almost perfect condition.  There’s one small gnaw on the side (see photos) which is a common thing to happen in Japan. It’s approximately 2 mm long. This little bite mark does not reduce the bachi’s stability.

The handle is pretty long and should be comfortable for players with large hands or players who want to play with minyo style technique. There’s some matted areas and a smudge on both sides on the middle part of the handle (see photos).

With its weight of 134,8 grams, this bachi doesn’t feel heavy while still providing you with some extra momentum when you swing at the strings. There’s no right or wrong when it comes to weight and it has nothing to do with your body size or playing style. It really is personal preference.

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).

measurements:

• blade: 11,5 cm
• length: 20 cm
• hilt width (bottom end): 25 mm
• hilt height (bottom end): 25 mm
• weight: 134,8 g