Plastic Bachi

Hi!
Quick question, again :stuck_out_tongue:
Is a plastic bachi /really/ that horrible to use? Is it possible, as a beginner, to get a good and comfortable feel for some songs using one?
I might not really be able to upgrade my bachi until December or so, and the shamisen I’m getting comes with a plastic one. I just kinda want to know how well I could get started with it.
Thanks for your time!

Hi Ian! (again) :stuck_out_tongue:

Yes it is horrible to use at first. But eventually with more practice, you will be used to it! By December if you do practice a lot with it, get a bekkou/bekkou chou bachi. But if you can try different kinds of bachi, do take note.

Try to get a feel of what you feel is most comfortable for you. Some might like it very flexible, some like it very stiff. …er

Something like, some people prefer jeans from Levi’s, some prefer Diesel etc

I find mine painful and often just end up putting it down and using a pick (or my fingernail).

I blamed myself for a while, then I see that people complain about the plastic bachis. I guess I have a hard time figuring out how they would be different.

Which part of it is painful if I may ask? I have the same problem too. But when I use my bekkou bachi, it feels very different. I guess it’s the thick of the handle

Hello Ian,

When I broke my bachi on the stone floor when preparing to perform at work, I decided to get a new faux bachi but also a plastic one because I decided at that point to always have a backup (there were many sad faces that day).

The plastic bachi is not horrible in any way. It works perfectly when playing slower to normal speed songs. You can see Mike Penny playing it in some of his videos for example.

http://bachido.com/school/mixolydian-mode-1-2

It is when you get to a level where you need speed that you start needing a flexible bachi. My advice would be to start with the plastic one. Any pain in the wrist is due to tension and applying force in the wrong place. It’s a long journey to get there (I’m not all the way yet). Of course different shapes and sizes of the bachi will make it easier or harder to play properly, but that is all depending on your hand and how you use it. If you buy the cheap plastic bachi, you can find out if you want something different after a while and it won’t cost you that much, compared to buying an expensive bachi and realizing you want another size etc.

Thank you all for weighing in :smiley:
Sorry if I was early to judge the bachi :stuck_out_tongue:
がんばります!

The most important thing is the fit of the bachi in your hand.
Regardless of tone of ease of play, it is crucial that you have a bachi which fits correctly.
It is absolutely correct that you want the bekkou for tone and all said about flexibility is true. Materials make a huge difference on the weight, which also impacts the playability and tone tremendously.
Plastic and even wood are great for practicing and even playing certain styles, like Karl said. Ive had several wooden bachi and have used them for training and dynamic tones.
You also shouldn’t be afraid of modifying the handle if it feels to thin or light.

Good advice, Karl.

Shoot I’ve been using a 3D printed bachi for the longest time now, and I don’t think my playing improves with with a real one (although the sound does!)

Hey Michael! Speaking of 3D printed bachi, when is Jack gonna unveil that super special new bachi that’s been in the works for like, ever? :slight_smile:

I know he has the plain plastic prototype made, but I know he was going to make some revisions to it. I think college has him busy though.