Hi I’m learning to play the sanshin and there are few resources here in America so i thought I’d try and ask here. I’m trying to play chords on my sanshin but every time i put my fingers in the correct position and hold down the strings it creates a very muffled not-so-good sounding noise and not the desired effect. Is this because i’ve set it up incorrectly? I bought mine from www.asovivasanshin.com and it was pre-set up, so i’m rather confused. If anyone could help me out or lend some advice regarding the issue i’d be very appreciative.
Hi Aidan,
Welcome to Bachido! 
That’s very interesting. I played my friend’s Asoviva Sanshin not too long ago, and it sounded quite good.
Could you possibly record yourself playing some notes so we can hear how it sounds? If you can, videorecording your hand would allow us to see if there are ways you could change your technique, if need be.
Cheers!
Kyle
Hey Aidan,
I started on sanshin as well I got a lot of help from a site similar to this one, but it’s all about sanshin.
Go to simplesanshin.com.
Good luck!