Buying a Shamisen outside of Japan is only possible by directly importing it. So it's difficult to get an affordable instrument as a beginner, to check if this hobby is worth pursuing.

For that reason, I'm offering various rental instruments with attractive rental conditions.

Min'yō Shamisen "Glico"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 30 .-

Currently occupied

A very good Instrument for beginners. This Shamisen is purposely made to accompany Min'yō Songs. It has a medium-thick neck and is very comfortable to play. However, it is only partially suited for the strong playing style of Tsugaru.

My very first Shamisen. I named it after the "Glico"-Man in Osaka, the city where I bought.

Accessoires

  • Plectrum (Bachi)
  • Bridge (Koma)
  • Finger-Sock (Yubisuri)
  • 1 Set of Replacement Strings
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Hardcase

Tsugaru Shamisen "Blashyrkh"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 60 .-

Currently occupied

This Shamisen is made of heavy and beautifully sounding Shitan wood. It is a very good Instrument for Tsugaru Shamisen intermediates.

Of course, it's impossible to overlook the unusual and dark appearance of this Shamisen - due to the black, synthetic skin. That's why I named this Shamisen Blashyrkh - like the fictional word of eternal darkness and frost by the black metal band Immortal.

Built by Tokyo Wagakki.

Accessories

  • Plectrum (Bachi)
  • Bridge (Koma)
  • Finger-Sock (Yubisuri)
  • 1 Set of Replacement Strings
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Pack-Case

Tsugaru Shamisen "Sakura"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 50 .-

Available

A very good Instrument for beginners and intermediates alike. With a thick neck, it is completely made for the Tsugaru Shamisen Style.

It is also a very modern model: It's made of sustainable "Purple Heart" wood, has pink-transparent tuning pegs (Itomaki) and comes with a fitting guitar strap, so you can rock the house while standing!

Built by Tokyo Wagakki and not available to buy anymore.

Accessories

  • Plectrum (Bachi)
  • Bridge (Koma)
  • Finger-Sock (Yubisuri)
  • Guitar Strap
  • 1 Set of Replacement Strings
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Softcase

Tsugaru Shamisen "Setsoku"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 40 .-

Currently occupied

A thick-necked Tsugaru Shamisen, very suitable for beginners and intermediates alike. It also has some nice decorations - so this shamisen isn't just great to play, but also visually appealing.

Accessories

  • Plectrum (Bachi)
  • Bridge (Koma)
  • Finger-Sock (Yubisuri)
  • 1 Set of Replacement Strings
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Bag or Hardcase

Tsugaru Shamisen "Suomi"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 20 .-

Available

A good Instrument for beginners who want to dive straight into the Tsugaru style. It has a thick neck and a proper Tsugaru-Sized Body.

It also has mounted pins for using a guitar strap, to stand while playing. Equipped with an electric pickup, you can plug it in to your amp or recording device. For this, the back skin had to go, so the sound is a bit hollow. But nevertheless it makes a great practice Shamisen!

Bought from a friend from Finland.

Accessories

  • Plectrum (Bachi)
  • Bridge (Koma)
  • Finger-Sock (Yubisuri)
  • 1 Set of Replacement Strings
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Soft Cloth-Bag

 

 

Interested?

Then contact me!

 

Rental Conditions

Liability

The instrument and accessories are rented at their current value, which is specified in the rental agreement. The renter is liable for damages resulting from improper handling up to the mentioned current value. It is advisable to obtain personal liability insurance.

Switzerland Only

As I can only offer the shamisen rental service in Switzerland, the instrument must not be taken abroad.

Storage & Handling

The skin of the shamisen is very delicate and can tear when improperly handled. Therefore, it is important to observe the following:

  • Store at room temperature
  • Do not store next to a radiator or other sources of heat, not even for a short time
  • Avoid high humidity and contact with water at all times
  • Never leave it in a hot car
  • Hold the plectrum correctly and do not play with the tip against the skin

Strings must be replaced at the renter's expense.