OK, I’m seriously frustrated here! I wish to get a Nagauta Shamisen because I like Kabuki Theatre and I’ve always liked the higher pitch of the Nagauta. Also, I know this is a big shocker because Tsugaru is everyone’s favourite, but I’m not that interested in Tsugaru Style very much. (I know you’re probably thinking: “GASP You’re not interested in Tsugaru? Then what are you doing here?”)
The thing is, I can’t find very much Nagauta Shamisen online. The cheapest ones I find have broken skin. If there was a cheap alternative to Cat-skin that I can find in Alabama, then I can get someone to skin it with that said skin. But if anyone finds a cheap Nagauta Shamisen in good condition, please tell me where I can get it.
It seems as if Nagauta does not get the recognition it deserves. When it comes to Shamisen and other Asian Skin Guitars are in a “caste” system with Tsugaru being the Brahmans, Okinawa Sanshin being the middle caste, Sanxian and Nagauta and Jiuta being the lower caste, and and Amami Shamisen being the “untouchables” haha. Back to the point, if you find a Nagauta Shamisen for about 300 or 200 USD in good condition, please send a link. Sannkyu 
Actually, David, there are MANY nagauta players here who really love it, and I think even some sanshin players. Bachido is for ALL lovers of all kinds of shamisen. I think Kyle even has a vision of nagauta content on here later on. There are also quite a few nagauta players, the ones I can think of right off my head are Cana, Linda, and Gerry. I play nagauta as well, although not as enthusiastically as tsugaru … But there are lots others here.
I think your best bet is to go ahead and buy one with a torn skin, and then send it to Jessica Dowd to be reskinned. There are several members here who have done just that and been VERY happy with the results. I saw some photos and heard some video of her work, and it’s beautiful. After buying it, shipping, and then sending it to Jessica, the price should fall right within your range - except that it will take a long time.
I searched for you, but there are remarkably few used shamisen for sale right now.
(I thought you had already bought a shamisen? O.o )
Anywhoo, Good Luck! XOXO
Thanks for the help. I think I may start off though with an Amami Shamisen because of it’s similar sound to the Nagauta and it’s relatively low price. Then when I get good, I’ll graduate to Nagauta
Hi David. I’m learning nagauta shamisen and I did not feel on this forum any difference with tsugaru players. I have always received from everyone (even from the tsugaru masters) a very warm welcome. I must thank everybody for the attention when I had questions or difficulties. There is no segregation here. You can be sure. Shamisen is shamisen. Passion has no label !
my 2 are nagauta and that’s what i’m learning on. I’m more into less tsugaru folk songs etc etc. I never hid that or the fact i only dabble and learn and still everyone here is awesome ^___^
As for skin, fibresen and banjo goat hide are available and are suitable alternatives.
I’m afraid all the cheaper shamisen you’ll find will all have some defect of some kind, it’s the nature of the beast, best thing is to get one with damaged skin and either skin it yourself or have one of the lovely people here do it for you, the cheapest shamisen i ever got was the one i’m learning on and it was just over $200 (sorry i can’t remember the exact price)
Thanks for your help. I will take your suggestions into account when I graduate to a real Nagauta