Minyo Shamisen Set “Kotomi”

Kotomi is a classical beauty with a fantastic sound. The dark  wood has a deep gleam and fiery sparkles when exposed to direct light. A feast for the eyes and ears alike. The style of this shamisen is associated with Minyo style, but it really is very versatile and makes any kind of style fun to play. Playing Tsugaru style is possible, too, because you can adjust the sawari buzz and the instrument has a very full sound. The width makes it comfortable to play no matter what hand size you have, and the thickness/height of the neck makes gripping it feel super easy! Minyo shamisen are commonly slightly shorter than the other kinds of shamisen – just about 4 cm: not visible at first glance, and certainly not making a difference finding the positions. That’s the case for Kotomi, too.

The instrument is made from beautiful koki wood – the most high-end hardwood, traditionally used for professional shamisen. You can see the beautiful figure on the pictures. Makes you think of delicious pralines? Me too.

I paired the instrument with a traditional orange doukake with and a matching neo. Also included in the package is a set of attached strings, a fujaku strip, a dougomu, and and a tenjin cap. The dou is skinned with natural skins that will wrap you in the authentic and warm sound of shamisen music. The skins have a very good tension and provide a wonderful sound. To do everything in my power to keep it that way, I’m sending you a washi bag along with the instrument, too.

This neck is 27,5 mm wide and 28 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard ends in a sharp angle that makes playing high notes up to 20 and beyond possible. The instrument is a bit shorter in overall length, which is a common thing for Minyo Shamisen.

The tsukigata (the curved end of the tenjin) is in perfect condition. 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 crafted in a more intricate manner that allows for an extra durable snug fit of the joints. The joints fit super well and it’s very satisfying to put the instrument together and hear the final “click” when the joints are put together.

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and koki. The bi-color design makes the instrument look even more special and adds a modern touch.

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.

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.