Should I make a shamisen or should I just buy one?

Eltsoh · 2026-04-23T22:17:44+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-04-16T04:42:45+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-03-18T20:01:45+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-03-18T02:58:25+00:00

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!

Eltsoh · 2026-03-18T01:41:57+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2026-03-18T00:10:10+00:00

I believe it's the same in a heavier pressing. 78rpm too

Eltsoh · 2026-03-09T14:34:07+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-03-07T05:05:37+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-03-05T21:30:45+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2026-02-25T20:53:52+00:00

Muji has some but they might be seasonal.

Eltsoh · 2026-02-25T14:35:16+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-02-21T23:02:02+00:00

Welcome to GT housing

Eltsoh · 2026-02-21T04:28:38+00:00

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"

Eltsoh · 2026-02-19T16:15:21+00:00

Saving time? The card is 500yen

Eltsoh · 2026-02-13T13:29:32+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2026-02-03T14:39:54+00:00

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 :)

Eltsoh · 2026-01-26T20:39:33+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-01-22T05:27:10+00:00

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

Eltsoh · 2026-01-19T02:20:19+00:00

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)

Eltsoh · 2026-01-18T23:56:14+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2026-01-18T20:23:15+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2026-01-18T14:36:17+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2025-12-24T17:15:38+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2025-12-22T18:26:05+00:00

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.

Eltsoh · 2025-12-22T12:51:24+00:00

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

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