Hey guys, first time poster here; I’ve been looking to purchase a first Shamisen, preferably a Tsugaru but I’m looking at all options because my price range is pretty low (Less than 300-400). I’ve been browsing eBay and found this item:
And I was wondering if this is at all a worthwhile purchase for a learners Shamisen?
Although they say it is a Shamisen in some spots, that is actually a sanshin. I don’t think they work for shamisen playing style, but I’m not 100% sure. Others might be able to give more insight
Welcome to the Bachido forum, Josh!
Ah yes, that is a sanshin. Cute one, actually. As a practice shamisen, I would say it’s… okay, as anything will get you experience for eventually getting a real shamisen.
However, if it’s possible to find a nagauta shamisen for 300~400, I would strongly recommend to save up for that. A sanshin is great if it’s the only possible avenue, but the playing experience is still quite different from shamisen. If getting a legit shamisen is only a matter of time of saving money, then I would suggest that. 
Great, thanks guys. Where could be a possible location where I could acquire a Nagauta Shamisen for 300-400 dollars?
If you want a sanshin, though, that actually looks like a pretty nice beginner’s set! Hm, I don’t usually buy on eBay, but even I might consider getting that one…
For reference…
Sanshin music from Okinawa:
Shamisen music from mainland Japan (I know the first one is Tsugaru, but I’m not sure about the other two):
Related instruments, but very different musical traditions and playing styles.
Sorry for the spam, but I’m on a YouTube binge and I feel like posting more videos!
Traditional Okinawan ensemble featuring lots o’ sanshin:
Traditional Japanese ensemble featuring lots o’ shamisen:
(Okay, maybe not the most traditional…)
Again, similar, but distinct.
Okay, you probably don’t even care anymore, but here is a more traditional Japanese ensemble featuring nagauta shamisen: