Minyo Beginner Shamisen Set “Mikan”

I named this shamisen “Mikan” (蜜) not just because the color code is orange (mikan means “orange” – the one you eat, not the color). But I think it’s so striking that a word that’s so easy to use has such an intricate kanji. Making a shamisen requires a lot of work and patience, but playing is.. easy…? Yes and no. Let’s embrace this ambivalence that you will experience especially as a beginner. Later on, you will continue to experience it, of course, but you get so used to it, that you don’t think about it that much anymore 🙂

The instrument is in very good condition – apart from a small nick in the top end of the head – and that’s usually covered with a tenjin cap. So it’s practically invisible. Nevertheless, I’m giving you a sweet discount for this optical flaw.

A truly beautiful shamisen with a medium-sized neck (chuuzao), typically used for Minyou playing style. Thanks to the adjustable azuma sawari, this shamisen can have its delightful buzz no matter how high or low you tune your instrument. The neck is on the chunkier side, so I recommend this instrument especially for people with slightly larger hands or long fingers. It will be even more comfortable than the average chuuzao neck!

Wood:

The instrument is made from karin wood – an established choice for beginner instruments.

The dou (sound box) is unusually beautiful and the corners look so smooth and sparkly – gorgeous.

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a beautiful orange doukake (body cover) with flower and a matching orange neo (string holder). Also included in the package are a set of fresh strings, a tenjin cap, and a dougomu.

The dou is skinned with Hibiki – the newest generation of synthetic skins with a warm tone that’s closer to the sound of natural skins than any of its predecessors.

Hibiki skin is extremely durable and robust. In comparison to natural skin, you don’t have to worry about humidity or sudden rain when playing the shamisen outdoors (you’ll still want to try to avoid both to protect the wood though). This means, you won’t need to use a washi bag to protect your shamisen’s skin.

Neck:

This neck is 28,5 mm wide and 31 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 27 mm wide at the narrow end. The fingerboard ends in a sharp edge that makes it possible to play up to position 20 and slightly beyond on this instrument. The fingerboard is in perfect condition and a sheer joy to play on.

Itomaki:

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and have a very balanced size that makes tuning comfortable and easy.

Sawari (buzz):

The installed azuma sawari lets you adjust the sawari (buzz) to your liking. This means you can switch it off completely (for modern pieces, pop/rock/metal genres or certain ensembles) and also have the perfect buzz no matter how high or low you tune your shamisen. There’s been a previous repair on the sawari – I guess the head joint glue gave up at some point and had to be redone causing a bit of a gap that was filled up (see photo). All is firm, smooth and well, and the bit is covered by the big string when the instrument is set up.

More:

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition, and the instrument’s wood has a beautiful reddish shade and beautiful grain. The neck is crafted in mitsuori style: It can be separated into three parts. This makes travelling with the shamisen very easy – even if you have to get by with light and small luggage. The joints are more intricately crafted which will provide an extra tight fit and longer durability.

All you need to add to your set to start playing are a koma, a bachi and a yubisuri. Depending on the style you intend to play and your personal preferences, you want to pick a certain kind of koma and bachi. Yubisuri come in different sizes, and I didn’t want to deprive you of the difficult yet fun choice between all the wonderful colors. I also recommend getting an adhesive dougomu or a hizagomu that will prevent the instrument from slipping off your thigh.

If you need help with picking the right additions to this set, don’t hesitate to send a message and we will find the perfect match for you together.

If you have any further questions, reach out and send me a message and I’ll be happy to help.