Yeah, shamisen are signed as well. Probably more often on the inside of the dou, but I believe some write it on the tenjin (I assume it’s the maker’s name)
Cool idea! I would like to as well, but I don’t my handwriting is very good. 
I liked the way the swordsmiths sign their katanas,they make the sketch using paint and then carve it. It may be easier on wood,since wood is not hard as tamahagane (steel)
That’s a good way of carving it. 
I used that method to route out wood for inlaying abalone into my mandolin.
Actually, I would the steel would be a little easier because it’s harder. When carving into wood, one thing you always have to be wary of is wood splintering off.
I am definitely going to be signing the inside of my dou when I get it finished. I was planning on signing it first with a sumi brush and then carving out the letters with a tiny gouge.
And I’m back. Sorry for the lack of updates but with the weather being lousy lately and the fact that I am being very thorough and precise while working on the dou there hasn’t been much to report. But I’m bored so now is as good a time as any.
Kyle thanks for reminding me about the thickness of the dou. My original plan was to carve the inside of the dou to that point and then shape the outside and get the angles down to there final point. I’m glad I did because after you reminded me about the inside I managed to come across a pair of calipers and a carvers rasp to get the inside of the dou down to the correct thickness.
Now for the pics.
shaping the out side of the dou
making the jig and FINALLY getting the angles right. So happy to have somehow finally made the 45s flush.
While I was waiting for the jig to come together I decided to use my “Test” shamisen to practice itomaki installation.
Using my new tools I carved out the inside of the dou to the correct thickness.
And finally what I am currently working on is carving out the ayasugi pattern inside of the dou.
The ayasugi may not be as clean as the one on the nakago but its pretty close and so far I’m glad I took the time to work on it. One more thing make it just a little bit more legit.
Thanks everyone. Keep the comments cumming I love reading them.
On a separate note I just want to say that I’m always on Bachido and I read every thread and comment but I rarely comment myself but I want to change that. So I guess I want to make an early New Year’s resolution of sorts and promise myself that I will be a little more active in the forums and comment on more topics. I mean it only fair since I like reading your comments so much I suppose I should return the kindness.
Very nice work Gwyn! I love your ayasugi; when you say you are very thorough you aren’t kidding
How did you like reaming the itomaki? It can be really hard on the wrist. And where did you find that rasp? I wish I had one of those when I hollowed out my dou. I had to use a sharp bench chisel to splinter out as much wood as I could and sand it smooth.
yet again impressive work from a member of the forum.
Everything is looking good and so sharp.
amazing!
Wonderful!
Awesome!
Coming together nicely, Gwyn!! Looks like the angles of your come together nicely. Great ayasugi work!
Nice score on the calipers! I should’ve done the same too. I just used my fingers and went by feel. 
It’s good that you’re working carefully and making tests, rather than just rushing through to get a semi-playable instrument made. Patience pays off!
Now that Ive managed to tack down my usb cable for my camera I can finally update my progress and it quiet an update at that. So lets get to it.
After about a week of daily work I finished up the ayasugi
Then I started on the capital entrance.
Time to finally glue the dou together.
I hit a bit of a snag when it came time to drill the mark I made for the exit for the rindo. I cant believe that this worked but with a little makeshift engineering I was able to extend the drill bit to reach through the dou.
And with that finished I have reached a milestone the sao is snug when connected to the dou with no gaps and the Shamisen now has most of its final silhouette.
Now while I was working on this I was able to get some other projects done at night.
A new and improved redesigned utility Bachi case made completely from scratch. As useful and awesome my first case is It needed some improvements. The new case is more compact and even more durable and more useful than the original.
And my other project Is something I have been very excited to finally be able to do, my doukake. I have this awesome white silk brocade with gold Fuji Chrysanthemums and silver accents that Ive been saving for my shamisen. And the final results are absolutely beautiful. Its one of my all time favorite plants and It makes a perfect companion for something that I have poured my soul into. I know that may be a little dramatic but its a very spiritual experience Ive put so much into this and these results are better than I could have imagined considering this is my first major wood working project.
So its my pleasure to show you the first pic of my new doukake.
Thanks once again everyone sharing this with you means alot to me.
dude amazing you are an excellent craftsmen
I had the same problem with the rindo hole. I drilled mine from the outside with a tapered drill bit and then shaped it with a rotary rasp.
I love your Bachido case and the dou kake! And not to mention the incredible work on the shamisen itself. I can’t wait so see you slap a skin on that bad boy!
just WOW
I’m with cody, would be awesome to see a skin on there! Great work!!!
Looks epic!
It’s getting hard to see the screen with all the melted face in my eyes.
It all looks incredible, of course, but I must say, that is a super awesome looking dou, bro! I just love how the grain turned out. Well done!
Kudos on the bachi case!! Well representing Bachido, I approve.
And a very sweet doukake. If you are ever inclined to give it some glossy sparkle, Jessica told me about a great substance called Modge Podge, which is what she used to make her doukake shiny.
I just googled “Modge Podge” and found “Mod Podge”. Is that the one?
Which version and how much if I may ask?
Ah, Modge Podge is my special mixture of Mod Podge with a sprinkle of saffron.