Gottan

General
#1

Hello, I’m new here at Bachido and to the world of Shamisen. I’ll begin with saying that I have no experience with any type of instrument, absolutely none! But i’ve recently became fasinated with the Shamisen.

An actual shamisen it a bit expensive to begin with, so i’mI’m looking at the gottan to start with. I was hoping if someone could compare the sound of the gottan vs kankara vs shamisen. I would just like hear what gottan and the kankara sound like. I would appreciate it. X3

Also, just general comparison of the gottan and shamisen. Size, learning how to use, care, storage, traveling with, what accessories (needed/rerecommended) and anything that is different from the shamisen.

Thank you very much.

PS. I’m sorry for any mistakes in this post, i’m typing this on my phone and for some reason my phone is really acting up and going cazy.

Anyway,I’m glad be here, this site and community is amazing!

#2

Hey Andrea~

So to start; welcome to Bachido!!

As far as sounds go… The gottan is gonna sound warmer than a shamisen, and slightly muted. You can’t necessarily do all the intensive percussive bits of tsugaru style. But if you are careful, could get away with some of it. If you’ve ever heard someone play a cigar-box guitar, it’s very similar. The kankara (which is made from a can) will have a bit tinnier sound (only a little pun intended), with more of a metallic resonance.

Mind you, these are not the best players of these instruments, just reference for sound.

Hope this helps out~

#3

That is of course, except for our own Kevin Kmetz.

He’s a rad dude who saved the president once with his shamisen skills.

#4

Thank you so much, out of all three I love sound of the shamisen the best. But I will have to start somewhere and the gottan has that warm sound.

What about taking care of the gotten? I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I love to make sure everything I own look as brand new as possible.

#5

Unfortunately, I do not know much about gottan care…

Any gottan aficionados out there??

#6

Thanks, Andrea and Adrian!!! This thread is so fascinating and interesting. It also made me think of making one Gottan or Kankara myself.

#7

Thank you Adrian for all your help!!!

and thank you Kyoko. I really like to know everything about an item before I purchase it so I know how to properly use and care for an item that can be a big investment for some people (like me). Though right now I might actually be able to get a shamisen, but if in the end I do get a Gottan or a Kankara I would like to share what they sound and how to care for them as I learn to do so. That way other people who are only able to these two can know a little before buying.

If you do buy one or the other could you please share a song or two! I would love a hear a traditional shamisen song played one these. Thank you.

© 2020 Kyle Abbott