Using the cleaning cloth after each playing session

Playing/Techniques
#1

I’ve seen quite a few videos where shamisen players wipe of the neck and the strings with a cleaning cloth. However they just wipe off the back of the neck and the top of the strings.

My experience with guitar strings is that you need to take the cloth and use your index and long finger to cover the string with the cloth under the string as well, and then wipe off the whole string together with the part of the neck that is directly under the string. When you play, skin flakes and fat is applied to the neck and when you hold down the string it gets in contact with that crap. Therefore I would clean not only the top of the neck, but also under the strings.

Any comments on why you wouldn’t do that on a shamisen?

#2

I’m sure you could do that with shamisen too. But being that the string are nylon/silk, it’s probably not as necessary as it is with steel strings.

I have a pad soaked with camellia oil (used to keep tools and swords from rusting… and also used as a lacquer for some shamisens… and also a cosmetic). After every playing session, I wrap it over and under my mandolin strings (like you said) and wipe it up and down. Keeps it free of rust and gunk. I think it keeps the steel strings “alive” longer. Of course, shouldn’t be used for shamisen strings. I think the silk ichi no ito would soak up the oil, Not good.

#3

It’s more a matter of maintaining quick maneuverability along the neck than anything having to do with the strings. Also it tends to be a nervous habit a lot of players develop during the tournaments ( like at Hirosaki ). Some of the professional players I know will always spray this stuff called ‘Speed King’ on their neck and polish it on prior to performing.

#4

Since steel strings are wrapped around a steel core there is more room for dirt to get stuck, but isn’t the silk string wrapped as well? I have never tried using any solution on the strings, generally that stuff tends to dampen the treble. I don’t know about shamisen, but during the 80s a lot of guitar players used that kind of “Speed King” you are talking about and the sound was horrible :slight_smile:

To be honest, as long as you wash your hands and let them dry before every playing session there usually isn’t much left on the neck. I will however wipe off my strings with the cleaning cloth both over and under.

#5

The silk string is wrapped too, but I’ve never tried using a cleaner. It’s a little different with the silk strings. By using oil on steel strings, they sound “alive” much longer than if you were to let them rust and gunk up. However, the thing that really deadens silk strings are the natural wear of striking it with the bachi, and it being stretched out. I could be wrong, but I think both of those factors have the most impact on the longevity of the string, and can’t be changed.

I met one shamisen maker who didn’t think lubricants were a good idea, as the ichi no ito would soak up the liquid, affecting the sound. Frankly, you’ve got a friction-reducing yubikake. If you’re going fast enough where you need lubricant to play faster as well, I’m not sure how musically pleasing that would sound. :wink:

Yeah, washing your hands really helps too! :slight_smile: Luke always tries to get Papa to do that before playing the guitar. :wink:

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