Yes, I’m a hair’s breadth from taking the plunge into ‘Shamisen’. I don’t think there’s anything for me locally, so I’ve cruised the 'net and I’m considering the options. Bachido seems a good source. Can anybody offer me a comparison or opinion on which might be better - a ‘No Limits Shamisen’ done in Karin, I like the idea of being able to rip it all the way up the neck. Or a more traditional Tsugaru Shamisen, I would likely go for the one in Shitan…
hey… how about a ‘no limits’ done in Shitan…?
Hi Jesse,
Welcome to the Bachido forum! I noticed that you became a member, so am glad you have joined in the fun. 
Excellent question! So, out the two, of which would you notice the most difference in playing experience? I would say the ‘No Limits’ shamisen. Both karin and shitan shamisen have natural skin (or Fibersen, your choice), and because the skin affects 80% of the sound quality, you will probably notice the neck extension more than sound quality difference (because they will have the same skin).
I’m sure that can be done. I will ask Nitta san now to see if a ‘No Limits’ shamisen can be made out of shitan.
I’ll respond here when he replies!
Hey Kyle!
I noticed that Masahiro-san’s shamisen is made of kouki,and it’s no limits also!
I am also sure this can be done!
Also Jesse
Welcome to the Bachido Forum!!!
Hey Jesse,
Obviously it is better to have the possibility to play even more notes but I just wanted to mention that you won’t feel that you are limited in your playing. I mean with an ordinary shamisen you can play 2 octaves and a few notes beyond. I am a guitarist so I feel that this is more than enough
But you should definately get exactly what you want if you plan on investing a large amount of cash. It’s been a year since I was one of the first to buy a shamisen from Bachido. Still a happy camper!
PS. Welcome to the forum and GO VANCOUVER CANUCKS GO!
About these “No Limits” shamisen, is the sao longer than a “regular” shamisen, or is it simply extended all the way to the dou? How many more notes can you possibly get out of it? Jesse, go with what you want, but if you enjoy tsugaru shamisen music as you’ve heard it before, a normal shamisen will not leave you wanting.
Just so we all know, this is the ‘No Limits’ Shamisen
Speaking from my “musical personality”, I like to make use of the whole fingerboard. That’s why my mandolin also has a fretboard extension which I use a lot (more frequently than most players) For this reason, the extension on the shamisen is an attractive quality, whether or not it would be used all that much.
On the other hand, many people play mandolin without neck extensions and are just as happy. So, what’s the conclusion?
If you like the idea of having extra notes at your disposal, that’s great. If you enjoy the aesthetic look of the neck swooping down near the dou, that’s great too. Either way, both instruments are high quality, so you will be happy and won’t be missing out if you follow your “musical personality.” (I.e, which one speaks to you more)
And just to throw in, another cool thing about it is it is Nitta san’s original design, so it’s currently very unique even inside Japan.
Jesse: Got a response from Nitta san. It can be made from Shitan wood.
Kyle: thanks, that’s good news! the question now is pricing and also how long would it take to have it made. I assume being ‘custom’ would mean a longer delivery time and I’m kinda keen to start making some noise
Shinji, Karl and Jonathan: thanks for your input and welcomes!
Ah yes. It would probably take between 1~2 months to have made.
Do you ever dabble with plugging in? If so, you might be interested in the Mugen21 over in the chukohin page. http://bachido.com/products/used