Is there a specific type of fat that is used to keep the skin moist? And are there any specific techniques and recommendations on how to do it and how often?
I don’t know but greatest topic title on here . . .
i thought the same had no ideas concerning the issue but just had to check because of the title
- crosses fingers that Kyle suggests NIVEA for men
If it was not mentioned in the title, Kyle would suggest NIVEA for men for sure x’D
For some reason I can’t seem to find their Canine products.
But I was looking for a serious answer
I never heard about a special treatment concerning the skin, except of protecting it against humidity and temperature variations. Even if the instrument is not the same, here’s something I found on a website about African percussions:
The skin doesn’t need any particular treatment. Do never apply cream, oil or fat on it.
I recommend butter. Keeps the skin silky smooth, and so delightful when dipped completely in sugar. 
Yes, I have a sweet tooth. 
I’ve had the same skin on my shamisen for about 7 years (this is indeed VERY RARE). Case in point, I have never applied oil or cream to it.
However, I do place the dou inside of a paper, and plastic bag prior to wrapping it up. I do this after every session.
Keeping the same skin for this long won’t yield you the best sound results, but it is quite economical, and shouldn’t make a difference to any beginners.
PS: The lifespan of your skin also has a lot to do with humidity control and direct contact with the elements (ie: sunlight, fog, extreme cold/heat). This is largely dependent upon where you live, and so some of us have to be much more careful than others.
I think I will follow your procedure Grant. I’ve learned the hard way what happens with your instrument if you don’t take care of it after each session. Unfortunately I live in the coastal city of Gothenburg which has a very high humidity level so I will have to be careful.
Just a curious question. How did the japanese people living in the Tsugaru region take care of their shamisen? They must have dealt with harsh weather conditions if they were travelling musicians in Japan. With risk of sounding cold - a lot of dogs probably died during that era
I just thought you should apply fat to it because that’s what you do with drums.
Because of the harsh weather conditions maybe they every week streched a new poodle on their shamisen… (ouch)
I have a fairly low end starter shamisen, and I think the skin is some kind of man made material…maybe plastic?
Would I have to do anything SPECIAL to care for it?..
If you don’t see any pores or bumps on the skin, it is synthetic.
Besides the standard “keep away from sharp knives” rule, it should be fine. Of course, keeping it out of the blazing sun is also good, but it will last better than natural skin.
@Kyle: Thanks!
I’ll try to resist stabbing it with sharp objects :3