How to Get Your Very Own Tsugaru Shamisen!

There aren't too many options if you live outside of Japan and are looking to buy your own Tsugaru shamisen, but here's some guidance.

You can get shamisen and other Japanese instruments and accessories from Chords Canada. They stock them in their Toronto warehouse and ship to most places around the world. They also sell Kyle Abbott's book Shamisen of Japan.
http://www.chordscanada.com

Shamisen Katoh's website: http://www.shamisen-katoh.com

When you email Katoh san, be sure and type SHAMISEN (yes, all caps) in the subject field as his email server interprets mail from foreign ip addresses as spam. As long as you use basic English, Katoh san will likely be able to understand you. Assuming I don't hear from hundreds of you all at once, I'd be glad to help with any necessary translation.

Buy the cheaper student model Tsugaru shamisen here: http://www.ishibashi-webshop.jp/shop/g/g381006100
(click on the "English" tab in upper right hand corner)

Info on this company's international order protocol/how to order here:
http://www.ishibashi.co.jp/eng/howtoorder.html

Build your own shamisen and learn how to play it with Kyle Abbott's book Shamisen of Japan. Check it out here: http://www.shamisenofjapan.com

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• how
• where
• buy
• get
• Tsugaru
• shamisen
• mike
• penny
• fiddle
• fella
• japan

[verbliner]

I am a student in the USA and I will study abroad in Japan next year (I will be living in Fujimi, Saitama prefecture near Tokyo). Also I am really eager to learn the Shamisen myself but I don't know if I should get one through your sources or wait till I go to Japan (I won't go till April of 2012) ? what would be recommendable?

[mikepenny01]

@verbliner If you have the option, I think it's always best to play and inspect the instrument prior to buying it. Just as important is to sample different bachi and find one with the thickness and tone you want, and one that fits the shape and size of your hand. On the other hand, the starter kit offered on the website I mention in the video is the cheapest deal I've come across to date. Shamisen Katoh's store in Tokyo is a great resource. Katoh can help you find what you're looking for.

[unterluup]

@nachoskater44 Or, or, or, it's not that simple. You're lucky if one happens to pop up on one of those websites. Also, there are different kinds of shamisen that look similar but are played differently and a lot of the people selling them on ebay or amazon couldn't tell you what kind it is because they don't know themselves. Just sayin'. In the beginning I tried finding one and was disappointed with what came in the mail. Better to buy from a maker (kinda like breeder vs. puppy mill).

[TheTerrierDog]

3 people aren't worthy of even looking at a shamisen

[opidacul]

nice channel man, you have skills, one question what is the tune before the last one? is it something you improvised or you heard it somewhere else?

[waqwaqsx]

何度見ても素晴らしい。

[waqwaqsx]

You are a genius. From Japan.

[grantwoolard]

Which beach was that filmed at?

[CubeableGame]

Very good and informative video! What type of shamisen is the one that's being played at 5:46?

[cjohnson02917]

For people who live in Tacoma, or Seattle Washington there is the Kabuki Academy ran buy Mary Ohno. She does shamisen lessons and Kabuki/traditional Japanese dance.

[verbliner]

@mikepenny01 Thanks for the reply! btw I just got the confirmation from the University in Japan that I applied to today, I got in! So for sure I will go visit Katoh's store in Tokyo. Sorry for the questions, but do you think he would offer resources for me to find a Shamisen Sensei while I am in Japan (I'll be there for 4 months)? I'll also mention that Mike Penny san referred me to you:P (if that's cool). Thank you again! ありがとうございました。

[TheAccartwright]

how long did it take you to learn japanese