Tsugaru Shamisen Set | Takayoshi

I named this shamisen “Takayoshi” (隆美) – a splendid name for a splendid instrument! It means “vigorous and splendid” and mirrors the looks and sound of this gorgeous shamisen. You can also read the name as “Takami”, which would be the female reading of it. Super smooth fingerboard – glide like an eagle across the spectrum of heavenly shamisen sounds <3

The instrument is in excellent condition – it’s a keeper for sure!

The style of this shamisen is futozao, typically used for Tsugaru playing style. Neck sizes vary within the building types, and this one has standard dimensions which makes it super comfortable for larger hands but still easy to play for smaller hands, too. I play on a shamisen of that size and am about 161 cm 🙂

Wood:

This instrument’s neck is made from koki wood – the most sought-after wood in contemporary shamisen culture. The deep brown hue that looks almost black in the right lighting has been the most desired look in the past decades. The supplies for koki wood are dwindling, so instruments of this kind are more popular than ever.

Accessories and Skins:

The instrument comes with a classic purple neo and a dark blue vintage leather doukake. Also included in the package are a set of fresh strings, a tenjin cap, and a dougomu.

The dou is freshly skinned with Hibiki on the front side – the newest generation of synthetic skins with a warm tone that’s closer to the sound of natural skins than any of its predecessors. The back of the dou still has its original, natural skin on. I am not a fan of ripping of perfectly good skin, and as it is still nice and tight, I saw no need to change it just to make both sides look the same. You’re only going to see the front side anyways. Natural skin is the best choice when it comes to sound, too.

Neck:

This neck is 32 mm wide and 34 mm high at the top and widens slightly towards the dou. The fingerboard is 30,5 mm wide at the narrow end. Its hatomune – the part where the neck enters the sound box – ends in a sharp edge that makes it possible to play up to position 20 and slightly beyond on this instrument. The fingerboard is heavenly smooth and lets you glide along the neck like an eagle soaring on a current of wind! Check out the photos of this pristine piece of work!

Itomaki:

The itomaki (tuning pegs) are made from ebony wood and are nice and chunky – this makes tuning for players with large hands a lot easier!

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. 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 the most intricate way possible, with two steps and every joint having a different pattern – which makes putting it together safe and easy even when you’re sleep-deprived or lost in bliss about your gorgeous instrument. The pieces come together with a very satisfying “clack” – if you don’t know what that means: it’s a very good thing and you’re gonna love it!

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.

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