So I’ve been playing the Naguate Shamisen for a week. (I checked on Bachido.com “Store”)
What’s the difference between the level 1 Tsugaru Shamisen compare to a Naguate Shamisen?
size, shape, skin, and anything on the Shamisen (that one has and the other doesn’t)
I’ve been thinking about upgrading to a different Shamisen. (or should I save up for a $300.00 Bachi on the store (Bachido)
The level 1 Tsugaru Shamisen on Bachido.com (store) is it good? I have a Naguata Shamisen. Sao (the neck) is one piece and I originally bought my shamisen from eBay (in the United States) for $255.00
Hi Kevin,
Good question.
The tsugaru shamisen is basically bigger than the nagauta, which gives a different (not better or worse, just different) tone from nagauta. So except for the larger size, the shape is the same, and they have the same things on them (doukake, koma, ito, etc). The Level 1 shamisen has a plastic skin, and I assume your nagauta shamisen has a natural skin. Does it? (natural skin has tiny pores, whereas plastic skin is completely smooth)
The Level 1 shamisen is fine IF you don’t already have a shamisen. But since you have a shamisen (I assume with a natural skin?), I would suggest playing that and save your money for a flexible bachi. That really makes the playing experience more enjoyable, imho.
If you ever decide to invest in a tsugaru shamisen, I recommend getting one with a natural skin, because then you get the best sound quality from your shamisen. 
If I did a review video on my Shamisen - you think maybe you can confirm if mine is natural skin or plastic skin.
Does Plastic Skin sound a lot different compare to natural skin? Which one has Natural skin on Bachido.com (store) Level 1-3. . .
Sure. A picture might be easier to see, as the resolution might be higher.
In my opinion, it does. Natural skin is much more resonant, and sharper. Plastic skin has a dull, plasticy sound. It’s better than no shamisen at all, but if your current shamisen has natural skin, that will sound better.
Level 3 and up has natural skin.
It’s synthetic skin. (have no idea) what is inside synthetic.
Is the surface of the skin completely smooth?
Synthetic skin is multiple sheets of thin plastic layered together to replicate natural skin.
Its somewhat smooth. So synthetic is a bunch of skin mixed together?
Kevin you should take a photo of your shamisen in good lighting. A good picture of various parts of your intstrument, including the skin, would probably give the pros all the information they need to judge what your instrument consists of.
Here’s the link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/150732295287?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
There’s photos. If you can’t get to the link tell me. I’ll try to post pictures or make a video
Synthetic skin is layers of plastic to resemble skin, but not actual skin itself.
Hmm… it’s hard to tell from the pictures, but I’m inclined to say that it’s synthetic.
(Kyle) - you can see the link. So compare to the (Nagauta) Shamisen I have. Is good compare to the Tsugaru level 1? on bachido.com store (or you need to hear how it sounds)
Just to confirm, the shamisen in the ebay link is the exact same as the shamisen you have?
Yes its the same one. (I bought that one) I’m uploading a video as we speak
Oh! That’s very useful! Yeah, it sounds like it has a plastic skin.
The real question is, are you happy playing it? If you are happy with how it sounds, then I suggest keeping it and increase skill by playing. (You are sounding very good, considering how recently you started!)
If you don’t like the sound, then I say save your money for a shamisen with a natural skin. A Level 1 tsugaru shamisen (with plastic skin) is larger, but you won’t notice major sound improvement.
If the bachi is stiff and feels like it’s getting caught in the strings, saving up for a flexible bachi would be a good idea.
Question viewing the video. Was I holding the bachi in the correct way. Striking it the right way. Where my arm position is it corrected? I feel that the body is too small for me. That why I’m thinking in getting the Level 1 Tsugaru Shamisen - plus I like having bigger Itomakis.
Yeah. Bachi technique looks pretty good.
Ah, well I can’t argue with that. 
Sure, if you feel that you want a larger shamisen, then go for it! Just know that it probably won’t sound much better than the one you have now.
My “Naguata” shamisen sounds better compare to the Level 1 Tsugaru Shamisen? Do you have the level 1 or used it before?
One thing. what the difference on having a one piece Sao compare to a 3 piece Sao (the neck)
Do you think maybe a new koma, bachi, and strings could change a lot on the (Hosozao) Shamisen
Because the skin was (on some of the edge) was glued back.