Does this add enough information to tell what Shamisen I have? I bought it from a seller in Japan.
Thanks
That is very likely to be a Nagauta Shamisen.
However, I would need a full set of properly taken measurements to be able to pinpoint the exact type. The dimensions shown in the image are mostly incorrect.
The only point of doubt I have is related to the Itomaki.
These ones seem like stained Mulberry, not the usual Ebony.
That may point to a Hauta Shamisen, though if the Dou dimensions point to a Go Rin Dai, then it’s more likely a Kouta Shamisen.
Keep in mind that Hauta and Nagauta Shamisen are virtually identical, and Kouta is very close to both, so apart from being nice to know which kind you have, you will be able to play it all the same.
Join us at our Discord channel for a more active conversation about Shamisen.
Yes, I did. I am very new at this and I didn’t know if 24 mm was thin or medium. I’ll be doing a lot more research.
Thanks
Wow, thanks for the variety of Shamisen information, I had no idea how many of them there were. It’ll give me a lot to search for and learn, which is something I’m looking forward to.
I have never used Discord, but will, how do I find you?
Also, one of the reasons I wanted to know is to look for the appropriate strings and Bachi. And Koma. That will come in time though. I was also going to try and replace the skins but now believe I will be looking for someone else to do that, both sides need replaced.
Thanks for the reply and I will keep in touch!
You’re most welcome, Charles.
I’m not sure I mentioned it, but I work with Bachido.
So that is where I will be pointing you to, for all your Shamisen needs.
There are other stores, such as Ezofuji Japan, which are also highly recommended.
And people on Discord may be able to suggest a few others if you want.
Discord is pretty much like the natural evolution of Slack and Skyle.
You can download discord at: https://discord.com/
After you register your account, please access our server at:
Bachido Shamisen Community
You can find my user there as “Jonny Five”. I’m one of the administrators.
@Brown (User @Nantoblues on Discord) compiled a lot of information about types of shamisen, and other very interesting stuff. You can find it here: Shamisen Identification Guide + Terminology Appendix - Google Sheets
24mm is indeed thin neck (Hosozao).
But again, since so many measurements in the image are wrong, that may be wrong too.
And finally, you can find all you need for your shamisen at www.bachido.com
That including reskinning your Shamisen with a variety of synthetic skins, which are much more durable.
Our community, both here and on Discord, is a very warm and welcoming group.
Don’t be timid. Feel free to ask all the questions you want.
Howdy, @cadiyn.
Based on the data provided, this would usually class as a hosozao. We determine that by looking at the width of the neck just under the head’s flared bottom [the chibukuro].
Beyond this very general identity, it’s hard to say.
Based on the graphic, the body’s dimensions were taken at non-standard points. We usually measure just the playable surface of the drum, rather than including the fullness of the curved/beveled wall. Hosozao typically have smaller bodies than what the image suggests.
The length is also somewhat peculiar, although not beyond the pale. We usually measure a shamisen’s foot print in full - from the tip of the spike [the nakagosaki] to the final edge of the headstock [the tsuki-gata]. The graphic seems to omit the spike and presents a particularly short instrument on top of that!
It’s quite interesting.
@jonnyfive has already linked my document. It includes some general guidance for matching the kind of instrument you have to types commonly found in stores or accepted by schools.
When you have the instrument in hand, please try and get some more accurate measurements - but don’t stress it. For most players, knowing the instrument’s exact subclass is wholly unnecessary. Particularly when dealing with strings and accessories … If it works, it works!
With just the neck class, you can basically do that.
For bachi, it depends on your hand more than anything. You need something that fits you. In the beginning, don’t get bogged down in style requirements.
Look at koma that are around 30 Rin tall (that’d be basically 9.1 mm!). A little under is okay (8.5mm), a little over is fine (10mm).
For strings, you can do 15-1/13-2/12-3 for your first/second/third strings without fear.
You could go a little smaller. You could probably go a little bigger (but be careful!).
Go with silk / silk / nylon or silk / silk / tetoron. You could try silk / tetoron / nylon or silk / tetoron / nylon, but I don’t think the longevity gains are worth the sound loss.
@Brown expanded on a few topics, which will be helpful for your research.
Keep up, and you will achieve a good level of knowledge in no time, and enjoy your shamisen experience even more.
The only thing I disagree with Brown is the San No Ito (third string, the thin one) size.
I usually advise 13-3, as 12-3 is maybe too thin for beginners.