So I am a long time lurker here, popping in once in a while to see what you guys are doing and this is one of my first posts. I recently bought the kobashiki (aka super dupa muting bridge) along with some other stuff. Holy mother cows of an item it was. I was, at first hesitant, to buy it since i could not find any reviews about it. However after recieving it I could not be any happier. I got my shamisen while I was living in Hirosaki (2009-2008) from Tada Atsushi. It is made of Kouki (i think could be a high grade shitan wood) with above average natural skin, that he himself did about 4 years ago. Holy shiiiiii… I never thought I would be more excited to play than I have been since getting the shinobi koma. I can play in my dorm at college with no complaints of noise, which was the only reason stopping me from playing. I went from playing 4 times a years, to 3-5 times a week because of the silencing effect of this product. Yet even tho it is muted, it still has the sound and heart of the beast of an instrument that we all play here. So the transition from taking it off and placing on a normal bridge sounds amazing. I will be doing a more in depth review later, but i just cant contain myself anymore I needed to say something. Thanks guys!~~!!~!! BACHIDO FO LIFE!
Hey Stan! Glad you have emerged from the shadows! 
Welcome welcome!!
Woot!! Very cool! Wonderful that the kobashiki koma is allowing you to quietly rock out with your axe! That thing is so great.
Thanks for writing, Stan!! Too bad I’m going to bed, because you’ve just made my day!