Hi All! New member here at Bachido and was curious if anyone is in the New England area?
I’m in CT and looking forward to meeting others here that have a passion for the instrument whether you be a hobbyist or professional! I’ve purchased two from Japan (one in good shape and the other as a repair project Kyle is going to take a look at). The one in working condition comes early November so I’m looking for the necessary accessories to get started (bachi, koma, strings, etc).
Kind Regards,
Beau
Howdy.
I’m very much not in New England, but I can give you some ideas on what you need to get started.
At an absolute minimum, you need:
The instrument itself.
This needs to have the relevant removable parts (tuning pegs, tail piece), and should be skinned on at least the front side. A rear skinning is ideal for sound quality and volume, but you can play without.
Strings (ito)
You need at least one each of the first, second, and third strings. These should be the proper gauge for your preferred genre. Tell me more about your instrument and I can direct you. Back up strings are a must. As many beginners come to find, strings do not last overly long.
A bridge (koma)
This should match your preferred genre - but at all genres accept a spectrum of heights (and materials) that allow you to find something that matches your personal flair.
If you wish you play in a traditional style, you should invest in a bachi. In the beginning, don’t stress too much about material - just get something that is comfortable and not too expensive.
You would benefit from, but do not expressly need:
A (dou) gomu
This pad or sticker goes on the underside of the dou to stop it from sliding off your leg.
A yubisuri/yubikake
This cloth goes on your fingering hand to ease sliding.
A doukake
This paper, cloth, plastic, or lacquer guard goes on top of the instruments body, protecting it (somewhat) from sweat.
In addition, I would recommend:
A tuner
Shamisen tuning isn’t set to a specific key, but the relationship between the strings is important. Until your ear is used to it, a tuner helps (cell phone applications are fine).
A protective case
Shamisen are more durable than many give them credit for, but are top heavy and can break if you don’t store them properly. A case also helps manage humidity, which can cause warping, ruptures, and slips.
A washibukuro
This Japanese paper bag helps manage humidity.
A saofuki
Any soft cloth will do, but get something to wipe down the neck after use.
After this, some people like:
A fujaku (position marker)
This needs to match your shamisen’s scale length. Personally, I don’t think they’re expressly necessary. Adhoc stickers (with weak glue, which you replace frequently to avoid wood damage) on important positions are more than enough.
in the New England area?
Sorry, Mid-Atlantic area and I feel like I’m the only one. 
The old version of the Bachido forum had a map of members but I don’t think it’s accessible anymore.
Pleasure to meet you! I’ve gone through the forum here and really appreciate you sharing your shamisen knowledge with us. Your videos have already been helpful to me.
I have been playing guitar for 20 years (wow, that’s hard to believe) and focus more on classical and flamenco. I think that will be of some help when it comes to putting everything together but I’m also a gear nerd so your recommendations are exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
I’m thinking to pick up the acrylic bachi here from Bachido that Josh Curry made. It’s not breaking the bank and seems to be a good choice for an “upgrade” to a plastic or wooden bachi.
I’m glad they could be of some help to you.
Prior experience will definitely help - but shamisen has some quirks that may trip you up. I’m sure you’ll adapt soon though.
Personally, I don’t think of acrylic as much of an upgrade to either wood (or higher end plastics). Acrylic bachi are generally very stiff, which has never worked for me.
However some players are very fond of them! So maybe it’ll click for you.
I’m preparing myself for the quirks, lol! It took me some time to get used to a risha for oud.
I considered getting a wooden bachi as I find different woods fascinating for the use of producing different tones. For flamenco I have a blanca which is a guitar that has cypress for back and sides yielding a brighter & snappier tone with not much sustain. So now I’m also in the market for a negra which usually has a darker, warmer tone through something like a rosewood or pau ferro. I find picks to be important in playing electric and steel string so of course my brain is thinking about what would be best for a shamisen tone!
I may purchase a wooden bachi (have a plastic one on the way) instead of the acrylic but it would be nice to have something that is of good quality sooner than later. But that’s what makes it a journey.
Welcome… Im out here in Los Angeles area and have been the perpetual beginner learner for a few years…LOL… but I love this instrument and this is great website to get you started.