Hi - instrument id / advice / info help

General
#1

Hi - awesome to find such a community. I’ve been putting off learning how to play for many years.

I bought these instruments a few years ago hoping to repair them. Sadly my roommate threw out the silk purse containing many of the parts.

As you might be able to tell I glued the large instrument together but gluing one section at a time, causing it to be slightly skewed. I’m going to try and re glue it.

The smaller instrument had a really neat string cap made of bone/ivory that the same roommate smashed when putting it on the ground saying “oh what is this”

I found the group searching for strings. I was wondering what size/type I should buy.

Also does snake skin provide a unique sound? Oddly enough I’m in Florida and the python is taking over the everglades.

The large instrument is ~ 36" long , 1"

the smaller one is 34". 1" wide neck.

Sorry I don’t have the proper terms memorized.

I was also curious about what the writing might read.

Thanks for any info

#2

Hello Mr. Hippy! Welcome to Bachido! :slight_smile:

Those are some cool instruments you have!

The first instrument appears to be a nice nagauta shamisen. All four pieces of the body have to be glued together at the same time. You can do this by tightly wrapping rope or a band clamp around the body. If any corners don’t fit right, you can adjust the angle with a file or blade (though work slowly, please :slight_smile: ). When it all fits fairly well, add the glue and clamp them all together again until it’s dry.

The other instrument appears to be a SanXian, the Chinese ancestor to the shamisen. That looks nice too! For that, you’ll want to get SanXian strings. Fortunately, I don’t think they’re too expensive.

Those are my thoughts. Cheers! :slight_smile:
Kyle

#3

Awesome!! Thanks for the help , info and site.

#4

My pleasure! Thanks for posting and being part of the community! :slight_smile:

© 2020 Kyle Abbott