Everything you need to start playing Tsugaru shamisen – now with our newly developed Umeya original faux tortoiseshell bachi.
The Tsugaru shamisen is known for its powerful, percussive sound. This beginner set is our most recommended starting point, whether you plan to learn with a teacher, online, or on your own. It comes with our own imitation tortoiseshell bachi, developed in-house at Umeya and available only from us.
Like all proper Tsugaru shamisen, it is fitted with an Azuma sawari – the mechanism that creates the rich, ringing resonance at the heart of the Tsugaru sound.
Shipped worldwide
We have shipped this beginner set to customers in more than 10 countries, including Canada and the United States, the United Kingdom and Italy, Australia, South Africa, Israel, and in Asia, China, South Korea, Vietnam and Malaysia – and we are happy to say they have been delighted with their new shamisen. Wherever you are, we will pack it carefully and send it to you from Japan.
Why choose this set
- Umeya original faux tortoiseshell bachi – our newly developed imitation tortoiseshell bachi. It is made of synthetic material and contains no real tortoiseshell, so it has the classic look without the restrictions on real tortoiseshell.
- Built-in Azuma sawari – a key mechanism for achieving a rich, resonant tone. Sawari is the shimmering, buzzing resonance that gives the shamisen its distinctive sound. In Tsugaru shamisen, unlike other shamisen styles, the Azuma sawari is one of the most important parts of the instrument, essential for its powerful, ringing sound.
- Supports both string orders: 1-2-3 and 1-3-2 – the middle peg has two string holes. Most shamisen are strung in the standard 1-2-3 order, but Tsugaru shamisen is unusual: many players, especially in classes in Aomori (the home of Tsugaru shamisen), string it in 1-3-2 order. This authentic instrument is ready for either style, so you can follow your teacher or textbook.
- Synthetic skin on both sides – good sound, durable, and much less sensitive to humidity than natural skin.
- Real ebony tuning pegs – the same material used on high-end shamisen, for stable tuning.
- Easy to play – comes with a bachi guard sticker, a non-slip rubber pad, and finger-position stickers.
- Inspected by our craftsman – every instrument is adjusted and checked by hand in our workshop before shipping.
What's included
- Tsugaru shamisen with built-in Azuma sawari
- Bachi (plectrum): Umeya original faux tortoiseshell (imitation – synthetic material, not real tortoiseshell)
- Bamboo bridge (koma)
- Spare strings
- Yubisuri (finger glide cloth)
- Finger-position stickers
- Soft case
- Shamisen bag (long bag) – a soft cloth bag that wraps and protects the instrument
- Washi paper bag – protects the skin
- Cleaning cloth
- Beginner's textbook (in Japanese)
- Instruction manual
Please note: The colors of the yubisuri (finger glide cloth) and the shamisen bag (long bag) cannot be selected, and the bachi shown in some photos may differ from the one included. Colors vary depending on stock, and the colors shown in the photos are examples only. Thank you for your understanding.
Specifications
- Skin: Synthetic (both sides)
- Pegs: Ebony
- Sawari: Azuma sawari (built-in)
- String order: 1-2-3 or 1-3-2 (middle peg with two string holes)
Shipping
Each shamisen is carefully packed in a sturdy box made for long-distance shipping (package size: approx. 107 × 34 × 18 cm).
Ships from Japan by Japan Post EMS (Express Mail Service) with full tracking. A tracking number will be emailed to you when your order ships.
Delivery usually takes about 1–3 weeks after shipping. Transit times vary by destination, transit routes and customs clearance in your country, so delivery may occasionally take longer. Thank you for your understanding.
Price, taxes and duties
Prices are exempt from Japanese consumption tax. Import duties, taxes and customs fees in your country are not included and are paid by the buyer on delivery.
Returns
We do not accept returns for a change of mind. If your shamisen arrives damaged, please contact us within 24–48 hours with photos. See our refund policy for details, including information for customers in the EU and the UK.
Support after purchase
We are a Japanese instrument shop with our own repair workshop. If you have any questions about setup, tuning or maintenance, feel free to contact us – we are happy to help.
Hear the sound
Watch the videos below to hear this model.