Multiple questions:
I care about tradition but also want something that will suit me. I really am leaning towards the sakura shamisen. However, I did not see the koshamisen. What are the pros and cons? If it is just shorter but gives the same sound why wouldn’t I want it? Is it just not traditional and thus not many people use it?
If I buy a sakura or koshamisen do I have to buy all of this separately: ito, neo, koukake, bachi, koma? I understand if I do, just trying to get pricing. The price of the bachi is the killer. I want the good one but holy cow is it expensive.
What if I could get a koshamisen with a standard size dou but a 1/2 length sakura thick sao?! Would that not be an awesome setup?!