Shopping for Shamisen on Yahoo Japan

General
#1

I hadn’t realized that Yahoo still sponsored auctions…but apparently, Yahoo Japan does. The pages of old and new Shamisen may shock you.

That’s the good news: lots of instruments of all types and quality, as well as a bounty of Bachi. Prices are amazingly low, especially on the cases.

Then, there’s the bad news. Many of the instruments are classified as “junk” or for practice. Most are one-piece instruments (which can be okay), and seem to be made from cheaper wood. And the shipping price can be crippling.

Japan is the graveyard of broken Shamisen.

http://yahoo.aleado.com/search?query=shamisen&store=2&tr_en=1&category=2084046802&tr_ru=1&page=1

#2

the problem with yjapan is shipping, very often you have to buy through a shopping service and the price ends up going through the roof.
I have to admit though that my experience was many years ago and it may have changed.

#3

Compared to, say, eBay, yJapan certainly has an outstanding selection, and several nice items. You can get imitation ivory Bachi for a few bucks (and real ivory Bachi for considerably more). But these smaller items are where you’re going to save money.

But the bulkier items cost $100-200 more than their Japanese price, primarily because of shipping. And then, there’s the risk of buying overseas. And the sketchy descriptions, which are sometimes only vague translations.

Then again, many Shamisen available at yJapan - for cheap.

#4

so i can’t sleep cos i have a bad cold so i explored a bit.
The shipping calculator for something like bachi is about $89 shipping to the uk BUT
NONE of the sellers will post to a non japan address if you read the fine print.

I don’t think i missed anything in the rules and faq and such so i don’t think it’s even possible to buy unless you have a shopping service or someone you know in japan.

the range is wonderful and i’d certainly shop if it was possible, but i don’t think it is.

#5

Your experience mirrors mine. And (as with eBay) you can’t be sure how genuine the article is. But the listing does give you a sense of the relative value of items and qualities.

I’d be more comfortable buying through the Bachido Store, since you’re connecting with a supportive community, and a decent price.

#6

I have bought several items from Yahoo Japan. You need to have a Japanese address to get a YJ account to bid. So generally you have to work through a third party service. It is worth while for expensive items that you get a good deal on because of the transaction fees and shipping within Japan. A lot of what you buy off Ebay or what you get from Bachido is shipped from Japan anyway so that cost is the same.

Generally I find the pictures and descriptions on YJ far better than Ebay and most sellers know what they are talking about. However this requires that you can read the Japanese (the translation programs are not very helpful) and really understand the different styles, equipment and materials. The quality of what is available off YJ is far better. The reality is all that stuff listed as “junk” in YJ is generally what is sold on Ebay.

I got a kouki Tsugaru shamisen with good skins that only needed a little work for ~$800 delivered to my door in California. I have never seen a deal like this on Ebay or Bachido. There is definitely some risk involved in buying any used item off YJ or Ebay, so I don’t recommend it for everyone. You know you can trust what you get from Bachido.

Steve, are you looking for a shamisen? I have chuuzao shamisen that I would like to sell. Being that I am in San Diego it wouldn’t be much to get it to SF.

#7

I’ve been looking for a entry-level Tsugaru shamisen, but with the right features and price, I might be interested in a Chuzao Shamisen. What would be the best way to discuss this (without hijacking the thread)?

#8

Hijacking threads?

Sorry. I’m done. :stuck_out_tongue:

1 Like
#9

Reaction after seeing the prices of several kitty-skin Shamisen on yJapan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plWnm7UpsXk&feature=related

#10

Well played. :wink:

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