I hope I’m not the only one here currently Shamisen-less! I am getting so frustrated not having one to start practicing on. I’m sure most of you at some point have been without a shamisen - how did you cope? How did you scratch that itch! Any one have any tips on how to fill the void between now and the completion of my shamisen construction project? ( which now might not be until Spring as workshop too cold even with heater in! )
Tegan x
do a quick kankara (then again it never works out that quick)
I would try if I knew how to make one : (
Gerry is the one to talk to for making kankara. He used to make them for his shamisen students, and is a big supporter of them for starting shamisen on the cheap.
Gerry: (I wish it were possible to tag people on posts like Facebook) did you say that you had instructions for making a kankara?
The other alternative is to drink Bachido coffee! Both getting your shamisen fix while warming up! 
Stupid question, but can you play a kankara with a Bachi or does it have to be played like a guitar? It’s the Bachi use that I want to practice most as never used one before.
I see nothing wrong with using a plastic bachi for kankara. (provided you have nylon strings on it) The shape of the kankara dou is different from shamisen, which may make the bachi harder to use. But hey, the practice will benefit when you get a shamisen . 
My philosophy is that there are never stupid questions, only stupid answers. 
i am also without shami atm
They’re still on the ocean wave sailing here, it has been a month and 7 days and i’ve checked online everyday to see if it has been updated : (
I got quite depressed over it this week and i’m hoping once i open that my enthusiasm will pick up again