I have disassembled the shamisen i recently found at auction and gently cleaned it up. I have removed the old strings and dust. Being a woodworker, I am extremely impressed with the quailty of the joinery on this instrument. When all three pieces of the neck are assembled you do not notice the joinery unless pointed out.
It has an exceptional wood grain and color and the patina is excellent. There are no dents or scratches on the body. However it does have multiple thin marks around the top edge where the skin installs. I am wondering if these are made from a thin knife or razor trimming the skins during installation…
i am trying to decide if I want to spend the money to restore it or sell it as is. I am not sure how much I would need to put into it and how much value it would add to the instrument.
Maybe a buyer would prefer to have the skins of thier choice installed any way… Don’t really know . Any suggestions from you players…
