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 50 .-

Available

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

Min'yō Shamisen "Edo"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 50 .-

Available

Just like the "Glico"-Model, this is a Min'yō Shamisen and very suitable for beginners. With it's medium-thick neck it's comfortable to play especially for people with rather smaller hands. Due to its small size, playing Tsugaru-Style on it may be difficult.

Because it was originally bought in a Shop in Tōkyō, I call it "Edo".

Accessoires

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

Tsugaru Shamisen "Blashyrkh"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 95 .-

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 world 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 80 .-

Currently occupied

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 "Setsuzoku"

Monthly rental fee: CHF 70 .-

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

 

 

Interested?

Then contact me!

 

Rental Conditions

Minimum rental duration

The minimal rental duration is 3 months. After that, the rental can be extended in 3-month steps.

Maintenance

A yearly maintenance-service is included in the rent. During this time, a replacement-Instrument will be provided.

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 may only be taken abroad temporarily and after asking beforehand.

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
  • Never leave it in a hot car
  • Do not store it 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
  • Hold the plectrum correctly and do not play with the tip against the skin

Strings must be replaced at the renter's expense.