My faux shamisen - Tune issues

Playing/Techniques
#1

Hello everyone.

I am currently learning to play the shamisen with the help of Kyle’s instructional videos on this site. Previously I was having some issues regarding identification of my instrument (which quite sadly proved to be a Chinese knock-off of no particular shamisen “type”) and what variety of string to use with it. That can be found here, for reference and images of my instrument: http://bachido.com/community/forum/10489

I took my sweet time preparing my shamisen for playing, since after stringing it, I discovered the notch for the thickest string on the “upper bridge” dividing the tenjin and the sao was too shallow, and was beginning to tear into the brand new string. I waited far longer than I should have to find a proper file, and carefully filed the notch so that the string fit easier. This bridge can be seen as the white structure in this picture.

Now, I have a new issue regarding the tune of my shamisen. I have attempted to match the reference tunings in Kyle’s learning center, but it seems that regardless of tuning, I cannot reproduce any sort of sound vaguely resemblant to a shamisen. Instead, I can make a series of dull, humming noises that are starkly different from the crisp, clear resonating sound that you can hear when Kyle plays measure 1 in the learning center.

Does this come with the fact that I am using an unorthodox koma, or can I expect an inauthentic sound from using an inauthentic instrument?

Thank you for your time.

#2

Hi Shaun!

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with that shamisen. It’s definitely a very affordable price, but in this case, you do get what you pay for. :wink: (Until Nitta san and I are able to create an affordable, legit shamisen)

A few Bachido members who ordered that shamisen also bought a real shamisen koma, real shamisen strings from us. That helped the Chinese-made shamisen sound much more… shamisen-like.

I would say a zouge koma and set of shamisen strings will make your axe sound much more legit. :slight_smile:

#3

Kyle,

It’s unfortunate to hear that others have wound up with these semi-quality instruments, but for the price, I suppose it is the best way to introduce yourself to the shamisen.

I will take a look at the zouge koma and try to acquire one soon. Trying to learn without confidence in the instrument itself will definitely hinder my progress.

Thank you very much for your help!

#4

aww darn not this sanxian pegged metal stringed plastic koma shamisen. It looks like it’ll need abit of work for it to become like a normal shamisen. I have not ever touched one of these but I know all about it because I know loads of people who have bought the same one ^^;;

What gets you is the price on ebay~

Think of it like this though, instead of the differences in quality of this shamisen and lets say a normal one. Think of the similarities. 3 pegs for 3 strings, 2 skins for 1 body and a type of neo. One of the interesting facts i know of this type of shamisen is its skin is cut in the likeness of jōruri style playing shamisen called the gidayū shamisen. (look up on gidayū shamisen) It may help. It is a shamisen they used back in the day to play alongside the story telling of puppet shows which was very popular back then.

I believe you can make a very nice shamisen out of this one. Although i do not know what type of material the skin is. I believe its possible to make it suit your playing style.
Before buying a koma I would suggest making one. All you need is a knife and a nice stick ^^ or even a wooden spoon you dont use.

Bamboo would be awesome, but I use a birch koma I made in the likeness of a stick :smiley: but secretly its just a stick which has notches to act like a koma.

Although this wont be a mainstream shamisen I believe you can make it sound just as good if not better.

#5

^ also definitely buy new strings~ (buy a couple pairs)

AND if you do go with my idea of making your own koma PLEASE file it down nice an smooth so there arent any sharp edges (make bottom of it flat or arched like a natural koma)

ALSO I have had trouble reaching same pitches as kyles reference tunings before. This is because he is using a Tsugaru shamisen, whereas I use a minyo shamisen which is abit softer and not as projected in sound. This may be same problem your getting. Just remember the tune of his in your head and get as close as possible to it but make sure it sounds natural to the instrument and not too high or low for it. You want to make the instrument and the tuning flow nicely. ^.^

Correct me where you may need to, these experiences I am voicing are only of my own experience if you know more please add to it. :slight_smile:

#6

Cana! You’re alive! :stuck_out_tongue:

#7

Welcome back and that was a cool reply btw . . . !

#8

Cana! Good show sir! What an epicly informative way to get back into forum shenanigans! :smiley:

Though making a koma would always be good fun and worth trying, I have a feeling the skin is rather mellow toned, and so a zouge koma or such hard material would beneficial to balancing that out.

It’s unfortunate to hear that others have wound up with these semi-quality instruments, but for the price, I suppose it is the best way to introduce yourself to the shamisen.

Indeed. Though it’s definitely not as good as it could be, I think it’s a great way to get started. I can’t discourage it as a starter instrument just because it doesn’t fit my personal standards. If it’s the difference between that shamisen or no shamisen at all, then it’s great. :slight_smile: And again, I think you can achieve a very similar tone by changing a few of the parts, .

#9

I remember your koma Cana and wonder what you might think of whatever I may come up with after all I’ll get to making a selfmade koma soon too and am looking forward to sharing some pics and clips . . .

(I got a used shamisen with some repairs to be made and also plan on electrifying the thing) today the car was at the mechanic for 6 hours and what happened to be across the street? a music and instrument repair (although brass is their specialty) store where I was able to order a good looking golden metal guitar cable jack, secured their services for drilling a related hole in the dou then also and they even had a guitar bridge piezo pickup for 10 euros in the catalogue one of those kinds that could possibly be attached to or integrated in a koma I’ll see it (exactly) when I have it but for that price if only to fool around with it some it was a no brainer not to mention I even saw a preamp in their suppliers catalogue for 40 euros so should I ever venture into that this could also be doable pricewise which was a surprise to me . . .

#10

Cana! Good show sir! What an epicly informative way to get back into forum shenanigans! :smiley:

Though making a koma would always be good fun and worth trying, I have a feeling the skin is rather mellow toned, and so a zouge koma or such hard material would beneficial to balancing that out.

It’s unfortunate to hear that others have wound up with these semi-quality instruments, but for the price, I suppose it is the best way to introduce yourself to the shamisen.

Indeed. Though it’s definitely not as good as it could be, I think it’s a great way to get started. I can’t discourage it as a starter instrument just because it doesn’t fit my personal standards. If it’s the difference between that shamisen or no shamisen at all, then it’s great. :slight_smile: And again, I think you can achieve a very similar tone by changing a few of the parts, .

thankies kyle ^.^ tryin to do my 2cents where I can. Been hard to focus on shamisen but its always there within reach. ^^

Also nice work on the deals B H :slight_smile: Cant wait to see the results.
Ill post a pic somewhere of my koma in the future. Absolutely love it. It is all it needs to be and nothing more nor less. Has a natural raised bit under the koma to support the nipples of my shamisen. haha

Might just need a song or somthing in mind to inspire me. Been trying to get my hands on some lullabys like Kevin played from his past~ がんばってーください！

#11

At least you have a shamisen within reach! :slight_smile: I’ve broken, restored, rebroken and rerestored my daily shamisen routine, so it happens. :wink: What has really seemed to have really secured my routine recently is learning it must be played very regularly to keep the skin freshest. Striking keeps it “massaged” and limber. If not, it will become brittle-ish. Sure, I take breaks on the weekends, but that fact has kept me on an almost daily schedule (plus, I’m noticing improvements/changes to my bachi technique, so it’s just getting more and more fun :slight_smile: )

Might just need a song or somthing in mind to inspire me.

Check out Liam’s cover thread! :slight_smile: He inspired me to give it a go as well!

© 2020 Kyle Abbott