Selling a Master-Grade Kouki Hosozao Shamisen + Bonus Bachi

Hi everyone!

I’m looking to sell a beautiful, professional-grade Hosozao shamisen. It’s a master-crafted piece built with some top-tier specs and It plays beautifully with a fantastic, rich resonance.

I am located in Indianapolis so if you are in the US, this is a great chance to grab a premium instrument without dealing with international proxy fees, massive shipping costs, or customs delays.

The Specs:

  • Wood: Premium Kouki (Red Sandalwood). Very dense with a beautiful dark grain.
  • Neck: Hosozao (Thin neck, measured at approx 22.9mm).
  • Joints: Mitsuori (3-piece breakdown) with Ippon-mizo (single groove) joints for a perfectly tight fit.
  • Dou: Features hand-carved Ayasugi-bori (zig-zag pattern) on the inside for superior acoustic resonance.
  • Hardware: Features a built-in Azuma-zawari mechanism on the headstock.

Condition: The wood is in pristine, glossy condition. The Tenjin is absolutely perfect with zero chips or repairs. Both the front and back authentic hide skins are 100% intact with absolutely no tears, meaning this is ready to play immediately.

What’s Included:

  • The Kouki Shamisen
  • Protective hard travel case
  • Beautiful patterned cloth doukake and covers
  • Bonus: A tortoiseshell-style bachi. (Please note: The blade has a chip on the edge, so I am tossing this in for free just so the buyer has something to start striking with immediately!)

Price: $900 + Shipping (Note: Feel free to adjust this price to whatever you are comfortable with!)

Sorry I’m only allowed to embed one image/file as a new user but I’m happy to answer any questions, provide measurements, or send specific close-up photos of the joints, the Ayasugi-bori, or the skins if you need them. Just shoot me a DM!

Thanks for looking!