Buy Shamisen | Best Prices on Japanese Stringed Instruments

Table of contents:

• What is a Shamisen?

• History of the Shamisen

• Different Types of Shamisen

• How to Play the Shamisen

• FAQ

What is a Shamisen?

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi. The shamisen has a long, thin neck and a body that is covered in snakeskin. The strings are made of silk. The shamisen is used in a variety of traditional Japanese music genres, including nagauta, bunraku, and kabuki.

History of the Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument that is believed to have originated in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907). It was introduced to Japan in the 16th century and quickly became a popular instrument in the performing arts. The shamisen is played with a plectrum called a bachi, and it is typically accompanied by drums and other percussion instruments.

The shamisen has a long and rich history, and it has been used in a variety of musical genres, including folk music, classical music, and pop music. It is also an important instrument in traditional Japanese theater, such as kabuki and bunraku.

Today, the shamisen is still a popular instrument in Japan, and it is also gaining popularity in other parts of the world. There are many different types of shamisen, and each type has its own unique sound. The shamisen is a versatile instrument that can be used to create a wide range of musical styles.

Different Types of Shamisen

There are three main types of shamisen: the sankyoku shamisen, the tokiwazu shamisen, and the nagauta shamisen. The sankyoku shamisen is used in the sankyoku genre of music, which is a combination of koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi. The tokiwazu shamisen is used in the tokiwazu genre of music, which is a type of kabuki theater. The nagauta shamisen is used in the nagauta genre of music, which is a type of traditional Japanese music.

How to Play the Shamisen

The shamisen is a relatively easy instrument to learn to play, but it does take some practice. The most important thing is to start slowly and gradually increase the speed of your playing as you get more comfortable.

Here are some tips for learning to play the shamisen:

• Start by learning the basic chords. These are the chords that are used most often in shamisen music.
• Practice playing the chords in different rhythms. This will help you to develop your sense of timing.
• Learn some basic melodies. These can be found in many shamisen books and online resources.
• Practice playing with a metronome. This will help you to keep your tempo consistent.
• Record yourself playing and listen back to it. This will help you to identify areas where you need to improve.

With practice, you will be able to play the shamisen like a pro!

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• How to Play the Shamisen
• YouTube Videos on How to Play the Shamisen
• Shamisen World Forum

Where to Buy a Shamisen

There are a few different places where you can buy a shamisen. You can purchase one from a traditional Japanese instrument store, online, or from a private seller.

When buying a shamisen, it is important to make sure that you are getting a quality instrument. Look for a shamisen that is made from good materials and that has been properly constructed. You should also make sure that the shamisen is in good condition and that it plays well.

If you are buying a shamisen from a traditional Japanese instrument store, you can be sure that you are getting a quality instrument. These stores typically carry a wide variety of shamisens, so you will be able to find one that meets your needs and budget.

If you are unable to find a traditional Japanese instrument store near you, you can also purchase a shamisen online. There are a number of reputable online retailers that sell shamisens. When buying a Shamisen online, be sure to read the reviews carefully and make sure that the store has a good return policy.

Finally, you can also purchase a shamisen from a private seller. This is a good option if you are looking for a used shamisen or if you are trying to find a particular type of shamisen that is not available from a traditional Japanese instrument store or online retailer. When buying a shamisen from a private seller, be sure to meet the seller in person and inspect the instrument carefully before you purchase it.

Care and Maintenance of a Shamisen

The shamisen is a delicate instrument that requires careful care and maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are a few tips for caring for your shamisen: * **Store your shamisen in a cool, dry place.** The ideal temperature for storing a shamisen is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid storing your shamisen in direct sunlight or near a heat source, as this can damage the wood and the strings. * **Keep your shamisen clean.** Dust the shamisen regularly with a soft cloth to remove any dirt or dust. You can also use mild soap and water to clean the shamisen, but be sure to dry it thoroughly afterward. * **Tune your shamisen regularly.** The strings on a shamisen should be tuned regularly to keep them in good condition and to ensure that the instrument sounds its best. You can tune your shamisen yourself using a tuner, or you can take it to a professional for tuning. * **Replace your strings regularly.** The strings on a shamisen wear out over time, so it is important to replace them regularly. You should replace your strings as soon as they start to sound dull or twangy. * **Have your shamisen repaired by a professional if necessary.** If your shamisen develops any damage or problems, it is important to have it repaired by a professional. A professional can assess the damage and make the necessary repairs to get your shamisen back in playing condition.

Tips for Buying a Shamisen

When buying a shamisen, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, consider the type of shamisen you want. There are three main types of shamisen: the tokiwazu shamisen, the nagauta shamisen, and the bunraku shamisen. The tokiwazu shamisen is the most common type and is used for playing traditional Japanese music. The nagauta shamisen is used for playing nagauta music, which is a type of folk music from the Edo period. The bunraku shamisen is used for playing bunraku, which is a type of puppet theater.

Second, consider the size of the shamisen. Shamisen comes in a variety of sizes, from small to large. The size of the shamisen you need will depend on your height and the type of music you want to play.

Third, consider the materials used to make the shamisen. The body of the shamisen is typically made from wood, while the strings are made from silk. The quality of the materials used will affect the sound of the shamisen.

Finally, consider your budget. Shamisen can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. The price of the shamisen will depend on the type of shamisen, the size of the shamisen, and the materials used to make the shamisen.

If you are new to shamisen, it is a good idea to start with a less expensive shamisen. This will allow you to learn how to play the shamisen without having to spend a lot of money. Once you have more experience, you can upgrade to a more expensive shamisen.

Here are some tips for buying a shamisen:

• Shop around and compare prices.
• Read reviews of different shamisens.
• Talk to other shamisen players and teachers.
• Visit a music store and try out different shamisens.

By following these tips, you can find a shamisen that is right for you and your budget.

 FAQs

• What is a Shamisen?
  A shamisen is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi. The shamisen has a long, thin neck and a body that is covered in snakeskin. The strings are made of silk. The shamisen is used in a variety of traditional Japanese music genres, including nagauta, bunraku, and kabuki.
  
  

• Where did the Shamisen originate?
  The shamisen is believed to have originated in China during the Tang dynasty (618-907). It was introduced to Japan in the 16th century and quickly became a popular instrument in the performing arts.
  
  

• What are the different types of Shamisen?
  There are three main types of shamisen: the sankyoku shamisen, the tokiwazu shamisen, and the nagauta shamisen. The sankyoku shamisen is used in the sankyoku genre of music, which is a combination of koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi. The tokiwazu shamisen is used in the tokiwazu genre of music, which is a type of kabuki theater. The nagauta shamisen is used in the nagauta genre of music, which is a type of traditional Japanese music.
  
  

• How do I learn to play the Shamisen?
  The shamisen is a relatively easy instrument to learn to play, but it does take some practice. The most important thing is to start slowly and gradually increase the speed of your playing as you get more comfortable. Here are some tips for learning to play the shamisen:
  
  

1. Start by learning the basic chords. These are the chords that are used most often in shamisen music.

2. Practice playing the chords in different rhythms. This will help you to develop your sense of timing.

3. Learn some basic melodies. These can be found in many shamisen books and online resources.

4. Practice playing with a metronome. This will help you to keep your tempo consistent.

5. Record yourself playing and listen back to it. This will help you to identify areas that you need to improve.