Ready for some action? Renji will be your partner in crime no matter what kind of musical adventure you’re heading out for. This instrument’s previous owner seems to have been a bit clumsy, as a dent at the neck and a small dent at the tenjin show. Also, the tsukigata made me shed a small tear as part of it has broken off – the tsukigata is the curve at the end of the tenjin that’s usually covered with the tenjin cap to prevent this from happening. The sound and feel of the instrument is not affected at all by these remnants of its past life.

This instrument is made from partly figured koki wood – the traditional super high-end hardwood. The accessories are as fierce as the instrument is: a black leather doukake and a neon pink neo. Feel free to level up with one of the fantastic Tsugaru Laqcuer style doukake in the accessories section of the shop. Also included in the package are a set of attached strings, a bachigawa, and a dougomu. I’ll throw in a slightly crumpled washi bag as a farewell present to this beautiful shamisen to make sure it’s skins stay nice and tight! The dou is skinned with natural skins with superb tension that make the instrument sound full and gorgeous!

The joints are crafted in the most complex way and have a superb snug fit. The fingerboard feels great, the neck is super smooth and makes playing a true joy.

What else is there to say? How about some technical specs:

This fingerboard is 30 mm wide and the neck 34 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. Its hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – ends in a sharp edge that makes it possible to play up to position 20 and slightly beyond on this instrument.

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from jointed koki and ebony wood. An subtle yet striking detail!

All you need to add to your set to start playing are a koma, a bachi and a yubisuri. Yubisuri come in different sizes and colors, so you can either match your shamisen’s look or have a colorfur contrasting highlight. There’s a variety of different koma and bachi you can choose from in the shop.

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.

Sound sample: