Beginners Shamisen vs. Tsugaru Specific Shamisen

General
#1

Hi! I’m a new member to Bachido and have also recently moved to Japan!

Long has Tusgaru style been my favorite kind of music in the world; so being in Japan has inspired me to try and pick up the art form. I am so glad I found this website; I am still learning Japanese, so the language barrier won’t be a problem!

I am a complete novice when it comes to playing instruments (I dabbled in guitar about 10 years ago and didn’t get very far).

My specific question is: If I know that I am very interested in eventually learning Tsugaru Style, would It be better to spend more on a Tsugaru specific shamisen (I’ve seen beginners sets that come with all of the accessories on amazon for around 550$) or would it be acceptable to practice on the Beginners Shamisen and add on the accessories as needed? Will the Beginners last me a long time or should I save up and invest in a more specific instrument?

Thank you so much, I look forward to participating in this beautiful music very soon!

#2

I personally would prefer the beginner’s Shamisen as a good thing to start off with. Tsugaru-jamisen are expensive. The beginner’s Shamisen should last however long your climate allows. Reskinning is a problem for all Shamisen players unless if you have Fibersen. Gladly, Jessica Dowd has a cheap reskinning option that skins your Shamisen with Calf Skin. If you want to play Tsugaru Pieces on Beginner’s Shamisen, go ahead! They sound great on it. The Beginner’s Shamisen though is a Hosozao, or Nagauta style so you’ll have to be gentler on the skin, but historically, Tsugaru Pieces were originally played on Nagauta. Once you’ve finally gotten good on the Beginner’s Shamisen, then you can save up for a real Tsugaru, fitted with either Fibersen, or real Dog Skin if you climate allows. A Bekkou bachi would work too. But you must be able to stay committed because it will take a long time to save up for Tsugaru Shamisen. I hope I’ve helped in some way~

#3

Welcome to Bachido, Justin!

I completely agree with David. The Beginner’s Shamisen should last a long time (as long as the skin doesn’t break - that’s a factor of climate and bachi abuse :wink: ). As you could here in the video, playing tsugaru pieces on the Beginner’s Shamisen is perfectly doable, and quite satisfying too.

Great answer, David. Thanks! :slight_smile:

#4

Justin, where in Japan do you live?

#5

Thank you for all the replies!

Your advice Is exactly what I was looking for! I think I will heed it and go the route of the Beginner Shamisen.

I will have to take extra care with the skin; the summers are especially hot and humid in my area.

To answer your question Kevin, In Yokkaichi, Mie prefecture. A friend told me there was a shamisen store around here, but that their instruments are really expensive (maybe its a place I can visit for extra strings though).

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