Hi! I’m aren :> I’ve been interested in getting and learning the shamisen for quite some time and have only recently had the opportunity to get one, my problem is I’ve been seeing some cheap shamisens on mercari with ripped skins, so I was wondering if I’d still be able to start out with that. Others I’ve seen were too expensive and way out of my budget (I am a working student). I have yet to check any japan surplus around here in the philippines if they have any, but I’d appreciate some suggestions and advice 
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You could sort of get away with it for a little bit if it is the back skin. Front skin on the other hand… no. However if you go over to the discord and ask @jonnyfive and tell him your budget he might be able to help you further
Oh and welcome to bachido of course. Nice that you finally made the first step in your shamisen journey.