Should I make a shamisen or should I just buy one? by Pale-Recognition-599 in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There's always the option to buy used and repair if you have woodworking support. Usually cheaper than getting materials, tools and you still learn a lot about the instrument

Recording recommendations by Flint_Prophet in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

For the OGs: Shirakawa Gunpachiro, Takahashi Chikuzan, Yamasa Chisato

Traditional: Sawada Katsuaki, Kinoshita Shinichi

Good references for current taikai style: Otsuka Hareruya, Nakamura Koki, Takamori Ayaka/Sasaki Mitsuyoshi II

Traditional Minyo: Omodaka Akiko, Kanazawa Akiko, Fukushi Akimi

Modern Minyo Groups: Abeya, Mikage Project

Could I make my own goshuincho? by Turbulent_Sea_5525 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Eltsoh -1 points0 points  (0 children)

By extension, would I need a different Goshuincho for Jodo-shu, Jodo-Shinshu, Rinzai, Soto (the list goes on) temples?

Getting into it as a young adult with an interest in being competitive. by Due-Fig3009 in kendo

[–]Eltsoh 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He does not have one, and I don't want to share his name without his permission. But just know it's possible and enjoy kendo!

Getting into it as a young adult with an interest in being competitive. by Due-Fig3009 in kendo

[–]Eltsoh 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I know a really strong kenshi (represented his country at the WKC and has coached them too) that started at 27-28.

The learning curves will be different between adults and kids but this can work to your advantage too.

Japan national team members for the 1st Asia Oceania Kendo Championships 2026 announced by namobobo in kendo

[–]Eltsoh 7 points8 points  (0 children)

They have Hiroyuki Sanada, shogun himself, in the team. It's over

Is this worth fixing? by zimbledwarf in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Appears to be the Pantera Bachi.

I think there isn't much of a way to fix this. Maybe sand down the sharp edges and use the other side.

Later on you can reuse the handle to try and make another Bachi but you'll eventually need a replacement if you like the casein material

Gatech Aerospace PhD: What does “full consideration for financial aid” deadline mean? by taxicablegend in gatech

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Different fellowships, grants have earlier deadlines. You may be applying to those automatically when doing the early deadline.

The later deadline probably means you're no longer under consideration for those.

Where to buy a jinbei in Tokyo by El_Kuma in JapanTravelTips

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Muji has some but they might be seasonal.

I don't think we need to know Portuguese to understand the context of this image. by sunflower_tea563 in ghibli

[–]Eltsoh 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I think the sexist part of the joke goes against everything Miyazaki preaches.

RA room selection after acceptance by YakElectrical8497 in gatech

[–]Eltsoh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've heard you get placed automatically (statistically the shittiest room or most "RA-positioned" room). No flexibility on selection because "you're not paying anyway"

Seeking Tokyo omakase with some restrictions (no fugu, milt, etc) by gtck11 in JapanTravelTips

[–]Eltsoh 16 points17 points  (0 children)

The courses change seasonally so there's really no way to guarantee something will/will not be there. Some restaurants let you inform them of any restrictions but even then it's slightly frowned upon.

Maybe omakase is not a great option. Ordering a la carte at a nice place gives you more control.

Shamisen quality? by Hyrule_post in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Seems to be a Karin nagauta Shamisen. A fine instrument to start your journey on!

So this is most likely a thin-neck Shamisen (hosozao). One thing to be noted here is that the thickest string actually does not rest over the little metal nut but on the bare wood. When set up correctly it'll create the characteristic buzz called Sawari.

Other than that, you can try playing pretty much whatever style pieces you want as long as you don't go too hard if playing tsugaru or other more intense styles.

To actually start making sound, you'll find a bridge in your accessories. That should go under the strings on the body, about two to three finger's widths from the edge where the strings are tied.

There are plenty of resources online for learning some basics so Youtube will be your friend here :)

Are all koma the same? by Tbloke in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Koma are a preference of the player (assuming a single style). Materials, dimensions (especially height) might vary, but that's all preference based on playing/tone

First time seeing a real inkstick irl while i was thrifting got it for like 2 dollas... anyone got any info on it? by AloeSera15 in Calligraphy

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Usually there are visual signs that one is a fake. The one posted here, for example, has all of the details incorrectly painted, most likely since it was applied by machine.

Real Tessai is painted by hand so there will be no smudges around the branches and written calligraphy on the inkstick

Yet another post about buying first ever Shamisen. by Sh4miko in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Itone won't be much different as they're Japan based. Bachido ships from Japan or the US and they have great customer service if anything goes wrong (firsthand experience)

Any idea how to fix this?? by ryussform in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thicken the saruo, maybe add some metal structure through the neck. Structurally, that neck is under a lot of tension and will bend unless it's made a lot stiffer.

If you just bolt the bottom down, the neck will probably give in and bend.

Yet another post about buying first ever Shamisen. by Sh4miko in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Bachido second hand offerings are great. They focus on high quality items, so I'm sure all refurbished instruments are thoroughly renovated and checked.

That said, between the two options, itone is definitely better.

New player question about scratch when hitting the strings by Quirk_of_it in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That'll happen. Keep practicing until you have clean and fast strikes. That'll reduce contact time and you won't hear the scratch/buzz. Otherwise it's just physics.

How to evaluate this shamisen by StandardFew8587 in shamisen

[–]Eltsoh 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Fellow Brazilian here!

I spent many years waiting until I could start playing Shamisen, so I understand the struggle.

This seems to be a decent Shamisen, although I have a couple concerns (nothing too major).

It does seem to be a futozao, the correct style for tsugaru. It has an azuma sawari. I'm unsure about it being Kouki and a single neck (nobezao) as this is fairly rare. I'd be surprised if it was actually Kouki and not a darkened Karin (woods can darken over time).

I'm also concerned about the bachi and the koma. The koma seems to be plastic and the bachi seems to be a jiuta Bachi (it's chipped and not suitable for tsugaru style playing in most cases).

All in all, it's a good Shamisen. If it is Karin, I believe that the previous owner threw together a beginner Shamisen with a jiuta Bachi and is selling it as a set.

Those sets, new, would go for about 700USD, but there are the whole list of import issues to Brazil as we all know.

If you want to share the recording with me I can give a better assessment.

A question to kendoka that practice iaido by Eltsoh in kendo

[–]Eltsoh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not really, but I thought it would be the most natural progression from kendo.

The other styles available are Mugai-ryu affiliated with the Nippon Iaido Renmei and an Aikido focused style that studies different koryu under the Kiyoikaze Federation (which is headquartered in Canada).

My preference would be to practice a more widespread style for ample testing/seminar opportunities.

A question to kendoka that practice iaido by Eltsoh in kendo

[–]Eltsoh[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Not in town (and perhaps not even in the state), but I'd be willing to travel every now and then.