I inherited a Biwa from my family. They purchased it in Misawa, Japan in 1964 It is not in good condition, howeve, it has a beautiful Ivory (solid) headpiece, mother of pearl cresents, 5 strings, and a makers mark behind the ivory where the string holes are. Is anyone out there interested in knowing more?Direct Link (email & IM)
That’s funny. I live in Misawa, Japan and I rememeber when I was a kid my Grandfather (who was Japanese) used to sit us down by the fire and tell us all stories of an old Biwa which he sold back in 1964.
Aww…I just made that up. Although my Grandfather was Japanese! That part is true. Anyway Biwa is a fascinating instrument and is related to the Shamisen in many ways. The sawari and attack of the Bachi are all inherited from the Biwa although the basic three stringed plucked instrument came from China originally .
Anyway thanks for sharing that!
You got me! I have read a lot of the history of the instrument. I have a stringed instrument collection from all over the world.
I love Biwa and really want to learn to play one someday. Unfortunately I can’t afford to buy one and even if I could I have no idea where to take lessons at 
Still it is a very beautiful instrument Beverly! I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with the ivory headpiece like that.
Cody, if you ever decide to go for it, PM me and I can give you the contact info for a biwa teacher in the States who does Internet lessons. 
I play guitar, mandolin and balalika, but so far, that’s it.
Oh man, that is awesome!
I’ve always wanted to learn Biwa. In fact, when I was originally considering purchasing a Shamisen, Biwa was a close contender for next musical-instrument-investment… Then, as if decided by some higher order, a Shamisen was gifted to me by one of my teachers.
Would still totally love to get my hands on one, though~!
Last time I played this one was the year my dad bought it. I was a teen then and didn’t really know how to play anything but guitar. Now the poor Biwa is cracked and can’t be played. My mother was very careless with it and some of the ivory is missing. I am looking at the local university for a Japanese student who can translate the markings on it. I’ll let everyone know what it’s origins are. It’s interesting, anyway.
Now the poor Biwa is cracked and can’t be played. My mother was very careless with it and some of the ivory is missing.
Where is it cracked at? Granted I know very little about Biwa, but it looks like it might not be too far gone. I can see from the picture that some of the ivory is missing/damaged. Maybe a professional could find some more fittings for you as newer Biwa should have similar fittings. If you ever decide to fix it that is.
Please do let us know what the translation is. I bet it has quite a story to tell.
Cody, or Linda- this is for you (or anyone who wants to play biwa). The whole thing looks intact, too. I’d buy it myself, and then fix it up and sell it, but I know what would really happen is that I would buy it, and then it would hang around the house and get dustier. But it’s so beautiful that ONE of us should buy it and love it.
Well it’s not entirely intact. Two of the fret thingies are broken off. I’m still going to bid on it though. I just wanted to do some research on biwa before I tie money up into it. Thanks for sharing it!
Did anyone from Bachido get the biwa?
I wish I got it. I wanted it really bad but school is coming up and I decided textbooks were more important than a biwa.