Finding a wonderful Shamisen

General
#1

Hello there

I’m a world instrument addict based here in Sydney Australia. My wife and I will be heading to Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo) for just under 2 weeks with the majority of time spent in Tokyo.

I really would love to buy one or two different quality traditional instruments such as the Shamisen whilst I am over there. I have done the usual internet search for information and contacted a few shops for more information. It seems that there are quite a few good makers… but unfortunately due to the language barrier I have the hard task of refining my choice as I’m sure my wife does not want to go visiting 50 Shamisen shops :wink:

Here are some of the places I have found:
(1) Mikado
(2) Shamisen Katoh
(3) Kameya Hougakki
(4) Tcgakki
(5) Kinkodo
(6) Okoto
(7) Kim Sei Musical Instruments Store Co

I have managed to get some prices and found that some high quality instruments can cost up to $4000-5000 US dollars. I am guessing the price may relate to the fact they are using a rare wood driving making it more expensive.

I had a look at the Shamisen sold on your Bachido store… this looks wonderful. There is no mention of who the instrument maker is… would it be one from the list above? How does this instrument compare to the ones in the higher price bracket?

Either-way any advise would be appreciated as I would love to buy a high quality instrument but the thought of spending $5000 on one instrument scares me a little :wink:

Kind regards,
Anthony

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#2

Hi Anthony!

Welcome to Bachido! Glad to hear you are going to Japan and want to bring back some quality instruments! :slight_smile:

You have some very fine shops listed there! I highly encourage you to especially visit Shamisen Katoh and Kameya. Both Katoh san and Shibazaki san (of Kameya) are wonderful and nice people. Keep in mind that places like Mikado and Shamisen Katoh don’t actually make shamisen, but rather are retailers.

We get our shamisen direct from Tokyo Wagakki, one of the oldest and most respected shamisen makers in Japan. (Their shop is about 120 years old) Our shamisen are much cheaper than those at shamisen shops, and the simple reason is we take much less profit.

For example, a shamisen like Sakura would normally cost about $3000, and Eclipse could easily cost $5000 in a regular shamisen shop. This is because many shamisen shops tack on at least 100% profit, sometimes even 200%. At Bachido, we add a simple 30% profit margin, and so can offer these very high quality shamisen at a much more reasonable price.

I’ll send you a personal message about it now. I think I have something you might be interested in. :slight_smile:

Cheers!
Kyle

#3

Many thanks Kyle :slight_smile:

#4

I’d recommend visiting Shamisen Katoh! He’s cool and fun to meet in person and is very supportive of all of us .

#5

Yeah! Katoh san is always a very welcoming and great person to meet. I always stop by his shop to say hi whenever I’m in Tokyo. :slight_smile:

#6

Cool thanks I’m sure it will be fun to visit :slight_smile:

#7

Also support the idea of a visit at Katoh san!

*Even if you buy your shamisen from Kyle it would still be worth visiting him.

#8

Thanks Jacinthe. Sounds like a good plan :slight_smile:

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