Hey everyone!! Thank you so much for joining this one!! Had an amazing time and can’t wait to hang out with y’all below! **I’ve left some fun stuff in the description box! So give it a peek and I’ll see you in the comments!**
Wow. Just wow. Unfortunately I couldn't catch the live stream, but am still watching this from start to end. I've seen shamisen performances twice during my travels, once at Tsugaru Shamisen Kaikan at Goshogawara, and once on board of the Resort Shirakami train. It's a fascinating instrument with a unique sound and incredible craftmanship, but it seems like an extremely difficult instrument both to play and to maintain. But it's very impressive just to see you playing it, and would love to catch a live performance some day.
The "sheet music" notation reminded me of percussive notation. Playing looks kind of like playing a set of timpani - since you pitch play them - (if you struck strings to play them). Fascinating.
So I am here just watching this again in September, and I wanted to mention something. I started following you back before you passed 50k subscribers (around 30k-40k I think) solely because you are an apprentice to the Yoshida Brothers as I love their music. I have come to enjoy your content that you produce especially the Shamisen content and the live streams where you explore Tokyo's back alleys.
Ever since I got word Norm practiced the Shamisen I waited for this video. Thanks! That said I am going to watch again how his shamisen is made. Crafting a Shamisen: art and tradition. Playing it: the same.
Drat, didn't get to make this live. But at least I get to watch it now. Utterly entranced by the sound and the insight into playing was massively helpful. Slowly but surely scraping together the money to get a shamisen. Eagerly waiting for the day. Definitely going to take the Easter Egg up.
Thanks so much for catching it after eh!! and I've noticed youve left me a bit of a trail of comments lately as you binge watched a few vids! Really enjoyed catching up on them! Thank you
No problem! I've been going back and watching older videos that I haven't seen since I've only really run into your channel within the past two years. A lot of enjoyable content to enjoy.
Hooray! Glad you decided to keep this up after all 😊 It's always so great to see your passion for the art form. Hope you do this again sometime for sure!
I start to casually see your videos some time ago with the Abandoned Japanese School video as probably most people here did. Then, by chance, I picked up one of your shamisen videos without even knowing what as shamisen actually was. I have to say I really enjoy the sound of this instrument and seeing you to put so much effort and time into practising this really hard to play instrument is kind of encouraging. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for sharing all this Norm. I couldn't see it live, but it's amazing to have opportunities like this where you share more about your passions.
Glad I was there sadly I don't have time for the stream on insta after this as work is calling for me Have a nice evening and a great start in the new week Cya under the next vid pod or stream norm
@@TokyoLens do u know why I don't get notifications on patreon for ur livestreams there? I get one when u post something like a new episode of the pod but not for the livestream u did a few hours ago
Really enjoyed this stream, thanks so much for streaming Shamisen for us today! Was unfortunate that the skin ripped on your beginner shamisen, but things could've gone way worse.
Well done, Sir. You really are a skilled performer. I'm going to suggest again the Kokyuu played with the bow as an alternate instrument, as it appears you do not need to use your small finger to hold the bow. I know it would take a long time to adjust and learn that instrument, but maybe it will be fun and it would complement the Shamisen performances. You could also record your learning process. Its an idea to consider.
I enjoyed the stream and am so happy to have caught it (or woke up in time). :) I enjoy hearing you play the shamisen. Thank you for the stream and enjoy the rest of your evening Norm!
@@TokyoLens in truth i woke up from a bad dream :{ But then looked at the clock and i was only slightly late for the livestream! So something positive came from it...
1:11:41 "Shamisen covers of pop songs are entirely possible" then proceeds to play "Smoke On The Water". I think you're dating yourself a bit there Norm! :-) I didn't make the livestream, but I'm enjoying the replay-with exception of the "reveal" of the damage to your first shamisen. I almost expected to hear the shower scene music from Psycho in the background! Thank you for this. Your enthusiasm for shamisen (or actually anything you talk about) is so uplifting. I admire your dedication to your craft, both as a musician and as a videographer. Stay safe and keep up the good work!
@@Pupuh I'm safe. I defy TH-cam to identify ANYTHING I try to play. Stairway To Heaven? In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida? Beethoven's 5th Symphony? It all sounds the same when I get my hands on it! :-)
Slow and gradual improvement More than anything, I just want to be able to enjoy it as much 10 years from now as I do now If I can achieve that I’ll be happy for sure!
Hi, I know this is an older video,just wanted to admire that you're actually playing a fretless instrument, which might require something close to a perfect pitch, just wow 😲 Have you been classically trained beforehand? As a kid maybe?
with a lot of practice people who play instruments can get a strong relative pitch. It's very similar to perfect pitch in a since. Relative pitch is where someone can here or know what note their playing based on context. perfect pitch doesn't require context
Glad I was able to hang out for the whole stream. Thanks for sharing your love of shamisen with us. When I first heard it, I honestly didn't really like the sound that much, but the more I listened to you and kiki playing I found that there is something so beautiful and fascinating about shamisen and now I really hope I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy it live. Also even with my notifications on I am never seeing these Easter eggs, is it something that I need to see on the screen? I always watch on my phone so I only have a small screen so if it's a visual thing I assume I may just be missing it lol. Thanks again for your company, have a great rest of the night
Lol ever Easter egg is different There’s one that’s been there in almost every vid for the last year lol Definitely seen it Just don’t recognize it .... yet 😉 Good things are coming!
if i could i would like to listen to the sound of the Shamisen 24/7 legit truth i love the way they sound and ur's for sure ...... and did i ever say one of my favorite song piece from Yoshida Brothers is "By this River" if not then now i did lol XD
Hey Norm, I got to see you play last year at Shamisen Katoh and really enjoyed your performance so it’s nice to see you here as well. I had a question, what kind of synthetic skin are you using and where can it be found. I live in Los Angeles. Thanks!
not just a pretty face then - thank you for teaching, am obligated. am improvising the last thing you played, on mandolin and ukulele, and i have been taught the shamisen is tuned in D, however it sounds like you are in C - may i ask, please - what is your lowest tuned to, and which tuning are you in? and is there any chance these traditional melodies are transcribed in western notation, anywhere?
This is so cool! I've become increasingly interested in the Tsugaru Shamisen thanks to Beni Ninagawa of Wagakki Band. After finding your channel and finding that you play, I've just become even more entranced by this instrument. When I eventually move to Japan, I definitely want to learn this beautiful instrument.
Really really enjoyed this stream, cheers Norm. When I move into my new house and get some spare $ each week I am definitely joining patreon. Been meaning to for a while now.
Thanks for a great stream, Norm. Good to hear you play live and nice to get a load of questions answered, too. I hope you'll do this again sometime. Keep up the good work :D And I've found the Easter Egg!!!!
Thanks again Norm. I really enjoyed the livestream. One question I asked at the end but was unfortunately missed was: Do Shamisen prefer a specific type of climate? Or just a more consistent climate? Thanks.
ive watched you for a while but have been going through and binging all your videos, you're so fucking cool man lmao the bachi price is insane, $2000 is more than i paid for my car 😳
Man the 15 hour time difference between Denver and Tokyo is killer. So wanted to catch this live, but 04:30 my body wanted the sleep. Thanks for leaving this up so we could catch it replay. As always, it's awesome hearing you play. No matter how imperfect you feel or errors made/not made, I love how much your love and admiration for shamisen comes through, and that makes all the difference. On a technical note, for me, I think the upper mike was actually picking up all of the nuances better than the lower one. Will you be looking to repair the skin on your original shamisen, or will you be saying goodbye to your old friend?
Thank you so much!! And I can guarantee you that I won’t be saying goodbye to it!! Even that older original Shamisen was still thousands of dollars and started the whole life that I have now!! Definitely keeping it!! Hope your day is beautiful!!
I honestly thought the Okinawan version of the Shamisen was a totally different instrument. Aww nuts. Too bad about the original Shamisen splitting. But it’s a sign. You are no longer a beginner. And once that bell has rung, it cannot be unrung. Forward is the only path.
What's the make model of your first shamisen? I've been thinking of trying to learn for awhile now. My budget is pretty low ~$150. To get started. Fingers crossed that its within that range.
Lol there’s no “make model” And my first Shamisen cost about $2,000 for $150 I would recommend not buying a Shamisen to be honest I spend over $50 a year just on Shamisen STRINGS lol But check this out th-cam.com/video/PqKCEnEdNr4/w-d-xo.html
Shame I missed this. I really enjoyed the little historical tidbits you threw in. Real shame about your first one. I could feel the sadness through th screen Will you get it fixed? Also, have you named your new one and did your old one have a name?
Off topic, but I'm looking for help. I am looking for a video of a hotel in japan with a tiny pony luggage cart that one of the 4 japan youtubers i follow went to... But after 10+ hours of vids and many google searchers, i cannot find it. :-( Does this sound like one of your videos or do you know the place I am talking about?
I have good news: I just talked to Sharla (Sharmeleon) and she says she thinks the video you’re looking for is....... Japan’s Biggest Morning Market By Chris Broad! (Abroad in Japan) Hope it helps eh!
Ah thank you for responding Norm! :-) will take a look. That sounds like the right one. Apologies for the late reply... It's been 48+ hours of friends around the world contacting me for tanjoubi omedetou on facebook... Both fun and time consuming. :-) Thank you again for the response! I hope you are well. Also, loved the kiki video!
So, I missed the Live Stream. Sorry Norm, but I will re-watch it without skipping the ads. Also, I have the Deja Vu watching this video and writing this comment. - Putra Hidayah Kazama
Hey man! Hope you are doing well! I'm curious. WHY do you use the Itomaki in this order? First itomaki - Ichi no ito, Second itomaki - San no ito, Third itomaki - Ni no ito? I just started learning, and I realized that. So I'm really curious if this is a personal preference or if you learned that way.
Hi Norm, I recently purchased a used Shámisen, do you have any tips or any channel suggestions for someone who wants to learn the slower and softer Kyoto style of playing? Tsugaru is fun, but it's a little daunting for my fingers.....cheers from Tennessee! ❤
I recognized a lot of the songs played here in the anime Mashiro no Oto (Those Snow White Notes). If anyone is interested, go watch it, only 12 episodes, tons of great shamisen music. And yes, I'm using Norm to promote an anime. No, I'm not ashamed. Thanks for the promotion Norm.
I'm not sure I entirely agree with the general assertion that an absolute beginner shouldn't go for the most affordable thing available. Personally, I think the ability to get a cheaper instrument with a more durable synthetic skin is a great option for someone who isn't sure if it's something they'll enjoy and stick with. Speaking from my own experience, I have a basic BASIC California-made shamisen with hibiki skin on it that cost me around $400 for the instrument, bachi, strings, and some other small stuff. Yeah the sound probably isn't amazing, but as a beginner I can't really tell the difference. To me, it's definitely more reassuring as an absolute beginner knowing that I'm not gonna easily ruin the instrument accidentally, and if I do, or if I don't end up sticking with it, I'm not out a super significant investment. If I'm still worth it in a year or so I plan on getting a better one, but for just starting I don't see why it's necessary to get something higher end. This is just my opinion though. Obviously everybody's situation and mindset is going to be different. I just wanted to offer a different POV with regards to starting out. Also, thanks again for the kamashi tip from last night. I tried putting it into practice with a 4300 kamashi and I already feel much more confident with it!
Thanks so much! I just pulled the trigger on a mid-level 三味線 and there is hardly any good content about it on TH-cam. I'm curious, how does playing it regularly keep the skin from ripping?
Stops it from (for lack of another phrasing) “going stale” The Shamisen players I work with just started online lessons that are starting by teaching all of those important basics bit.ly/LearnShamisen Cheers eh
Is t temperamental string strenching that defines soo rapidly or is it the tuning pegs? Could this be rectified if they implemented more modern tuning pegs locks to hold strings more secure?
Lol it’s the strings And ruining the tuning pegs wouldn’t work Cuz they need to be able to come out easily when the instrument is taken apart for transport
Have you seen that Suzuki makes shamisens? they go for about 40,000yen. I want to buy an entry level shamisen but feels prertty risky to go for something that a car manufacturer have made, even if its created in japan. I'm thinking about getting the beginner shamisen from bachido store :>
Dont touch the Suzuki one It’s the same as throwing 400 in the trash Watch this vid:th-cam.com/video/PqKCEnEdNr4/w-d-xo.html Japans 2 top players (Kiki) run the largest and most comprehensive shamisen school online (It’s linked in that vid) And they’re prepped a REALLY good beginner shamisen direct from A Japanese maker I 100-% recommend that above all other options
@@TokyoLens thanks for the tip. I actually ordered a shabo from them just to play around with and see if shamisen is something for me. Is the Woods as fragile as a normal shamisen? Can i leave this one outside of the bag a few days or will the Woods bend and warp on shabo aswell if i dont take care of it as a regular shamisen? :o
Hello! Congratulations for this very interesting video. I would like to know if it is possible to "decrease" the sound level of shamisen. Is there any technique or accessory for this purpose? If yes, could you share here? I know that the sound of shamisen is naturally high. In my case, I live in an apartment and the walls are very thin. Thank you for your attention.
yup! there are entire lessons about it these arent my lessons per say They are actually a full set of lessons by 2 of Japan's top champion players with lessons ranging from proper care, to things like how to play without sound, to repair, skills, tricks, traditional songs, the main tsugaru songs, originals, and more!
I don't know what's wrong with me and I admit I have no experience with Shamisen, but I find the sound of the cheap Shamisen with the ripped skin much more pleasant, warmer and more resonant than the expensive one. For me the expensive one sounds like it doesn't want to be played. Please forgive my ignorance but I guess I am applying western standards to this... But man, I really feed off your passion for this thing! One question if I may - how do you know where exactly to place the bridge? Won't a wrong placement that is out by only a millimeter completely throw off your muscle memory? I totally agree though on the terrible sound of the plastic bachi. Thanks Norm, keep the videos coming, and sorry about the ripped skin...!
@@TokyoLens its like i always miss the start....occasionally i catch the tail end... and i have the bell icon ticked...notifications enabled...but for some funny reason i still don't get the notification....old phones....tsk tsk
lol absolutely not. And instruments (especially wooden ones like a shamisen) shouldnt be purchased 2nd hand anyway its like shoes... its been warn-in to match the player to used it Either way, the old one was my first ever shamisen, and how I got my start in this world. So it is a protected treasure~
What do you mean by “which is the shamisen?” It’s My shamisen It was custom made (As any good shamisen is) And there’s a whole video about it up on the channel I can’t understand your question or your goal, sorry
I’ve been apprenticing for nearly a decade and still have so much to learn We’re actually starting Shamisen lessons if you’re actually interested But the membership price is cheap literally just for now because we haven’t kicked off yet Patreon.com/learnshamisen Cheers eh
Tokyo Lens Wow thank you so much! I’m actually currently saving up for my first shamisen! I’m 14 years old so I don’t have a job yet :/ Hopefully by the time I save up enough those classes will still be available! Thanks again’
They will be~ Probably 5-6x the current price lol But they’ll be there!! Make sure you do your research first And understand that it’s not a toy And it’s not a guitar I’d you don’t plan on making it your lifestyle, then it might be better to just get a toy one Real ones require nonstop constant care that can get very expensive!! Best of luck to you!!
Tokyo Lens Yes I’ve done a lot of research, and I just really think this instrument is a great fit for me. I am aware of the work that goes into it, but that’s a sacrifice i’m willing to make! Thanks for all of your help!
@@TokyoLens actually found it, there is one where you talk about the ShamiBoy, which was what I was looking for. Thank you for having such an awesome channel
ahhh that eh!! I actually have something better!! kiki and I have actually started online shamisen lessons And were currently sourcing shamisen even cheaper than the shami boy! Should be out in a few weeks!
I don't mean to take away from the instrument, but the Shamisen seems so "flawed" , expensive body, expensive strings that snap all the time, constantly goes out of tune, difficult to aquire materials used in its construction, it's almost like it wants to self destruct.
![Inside a TYPICAL Tokyo Apartment - [Not So TINY!]](/img/n.gif)
Hey everyone!! Thank you so much for joining this one!! Had an amazing time and can’t wait to hang out with y’all below!
**I’ve left some fun stuff in the description box! So give it a peek and I’ll see you in the comments!**
Awesome playing brother
You are welcome, Norm.
So sad I missed it live, but glad I got to see it after the fact! When's the album coming out, Norm?! Hehe
Wow. Just wow. Unfortunately I couldn't catch the live stream, but am still watching this from start to end. I've seen shamisen performances twice during my travels, once at Tsugaru Shamisen Kaikan at Goshogawara, and once on board of the Resort Shirakami train. It's a fascinating instrument with a unique sound and incredible craftmanship, but it seems like an extremely difficult instrument both to play and to maintain. But it's very impressive just to see you playing it, and would love to catch a live performance some day.
The "sheet music" notation reminded me of percussive notation. Playing looks kind of like playing a set of timpani - since you pitch play them - (if you struck strings to play them). Fascinating.
So I am here just watching this again in September, and I wanted to mention something. I started following you back before you passed 50k subscribers (around 30k-40k I think) solely because you are an apprentice to the Yoshida Brothers as I love their music. I have come to enjoy your content that you produce especially the Shamisen content and the live streams where you explore Tokyo's back alleys.
Ever since I got word Norm practiced the Shamisen I waited for this video. Thanks! That said I am going to watch again how his shamisen is made. Crafting a Shamisen: art and tradition. Playing it: the same.
That’s very kind of you
Thank you so much~
I really enjoy listening to you play this instrument
Drat, didn't get to make this live. But at least I get to watch it now. Utterly entranced by the sound and the insight into playing was massively helpful. Slowly but surely scraping together the money to get a shamisen. Eagerly waiting for the day. Definitely going to take the Easter Egg up.
Thanks so much for catching it after eh!!
and I've noticed youve left me a bit of a trail of comments lately as you binge watched a few vids!
Really enjoyed catching up on them! Thank you
No problem! I've been going back and watching older videos that I haven't seen since I've only really run into your channel within the past two years. A lot of enjoyable content to enjoy.
Thank you! Ive never caught a live stream before, glad i was able to see this one, it was great
Oh wow! Thank you!!
Glad it was fun!
Thank you for an awesome stream Norm - it was great to watch and learn more about the shamisen 🎧
Thank you so much for being such a big part of it
Hooray! Glad you decided to keep this up after all 😊 It's always so great to see your passion for the art form. Hope you do this again sometime for sure!
I start to casually see your videos some time ago with the Abandoned Japanese School video as probably most people here did. Then, by chance, I picked up one of your shamisen videos without even knowing what as shamisen actually was. I have to say I really enjoy the sound of this instrument and seeing you to put so much effort and time into practising this really hard to play instrument is kind of encouraging. Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much~
Thank you for sharing all this Norm. I couldn't see it live, but it's amazing to have opportunities like this where you share more about your passions.
Thanks so much!! and glad to have you over on the community!!
What a great way to wake up. Thanks, Norm!
Glad you were up for it!!
Decent start to the day?
Glad I was there sadly I don't have time for the stream on insta after this as work is calling for me
Have a nice evening and a great start in the new week
Cya under the next vid pod or stream norm
Cheers mate!!
Thanks for joining!
@@TokyoLens do u know why I don't get notifications on patreon for ur livestreams there?
I get one when u post something like a new episode of the pod but not for the livestream u did a few hours ago
Wish I knew!! 😔
Glad you were here mate!
Really enjoyed this stream, thanks so much for streaming Shamisen for us today! Was unfortunate that the skin ripped on your beginner shamisen, but things could've gone way worse.
Yea that’s kinda..
But you are completely right
Could’ve been a lot worse than that
Thanks so much eh!
So sad that I missed the live stream. I really enjoy listening to your shamisen journey. Can't wait to hear more. Arigatou!
Well done, Sir. You really are a skilled performer. I'm going to suggest again the Kokyuu played with the bow as an alternate instrument, as it appears you do not need to use your small finger to hold the bow. I know it would take a long time to adjust and learn that instrument, but maybe it will be fun and it would complement the Shamisen performances. You could also record your learning process. Its an idea to consider.
I enjoyed the stream and am so happy to have caught it (or woke up in time). :) I enjoy hearing you play the shamisen. Thank you for the stream and enjoy the rest of your evening Norm!
Thanks so much!!
Yay, glad I made it for the livestream! Thanks for fantastic performances and always great info, Norm. A nice way to start my day~
Yaaaaayy
And you didn’t think you could make it
So it was quite the surprise to see ya!!
@@TokyoLens in truth i woke up from a bad dream :{ But then looked at the clock and i was only slightly late for the livestream! So something positive came from it...
I love that you shared this with us, the skin breaking broke my heart! 😢
Loved the live stream! So glad I woke up in time. It was the best way to start my work day. Thank you for teaching us more about shamisen!
My pleasure
Thanks for watching eh!!
i've been waiting for this for months thank you man
1:11:41 "Shamisen covers of pop songs are entirely possible" then proceeds to play "Smoke On The Water". I think you're dating yourself a bit there Norm! :-)
I didn't make the livestream, but I'm enjoying the replay-with exception of the "reveal" of the damage to your first shamisen. I almost expected to hear the shower scene music from Psycho in the background!
Thank you for this. Your enthusiasm for shamisen (or actually anything you talk about) is so uplifting. I admire your dedication to your craft, both as a musician and as a videographer.
Stay safe and keep up the good work!
Smoke on The Water isn't pop...
@@Pupuh Well, maybe not but just about every aspiring guitarist used to try to learn those first chords! :-)
@@michaelcherry8952 I know, it's really hard to play Smoke On the Water without getting Copyright strike.
@@Pupuh I'm safe. I defy TH-cam to identify ANYTHING I try to play. Stairway To Heaven? In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida? Beethoven's 5th Symphony? It all sounds the same when I get my hands on it! :-)
@@michaelcherry8952 The Flight of The Bumblebee on bASS
Thank you so much for sharing!! Amazing
Thank you for watching!!
Hi Norm from Perth West Australia .... really enjoyed the live stream .... what's your long term goal / dream regarding your shamisen playing?
Slow and gradual improvement
More than anything,
I just want to be able to enjoy it as much 10 years from now as I do now
If I can achieve that
I’ll be happy for sure!
Hi, I know this is an older video,just wanted to admire that you're actually playing a fretless instrument, which might require something close to a perfect pitch, just wow 😲 Have you been classically trained beforehand? As a kid maybe?
with a lot of practice people who play instruments can get a strong relative pitch. It's very similar to perfect pitch in a since. Relative pitch is where someone can here or know what note their playing based on context. perfect pitch doesn't require context
Fantastic Shamisen video! 🌸 😊🇯🇵
Bravo! Bravo!! Fantastic watching you play the shamisen
Glad you enjoyed it!
Awesome watching my first TokyoLens live stream be about shamisen! Worth staying up at 5 in the morning. Going to sleep now lol
Woooowwwww
Get some sleep and thanks for joining eh!!
only a week later but now i'm all caught up on this channel!
Glad I was able to hang out for the whole stream. Thanks for sharing your love of shamisen with us. When I first heard it, I honestly didn't really like the sound that much, but the more I listened to you and kiki playing I found that there is something so beautiful and fascinating about shamisen and now I really hope I am lucky enough to be able to enjoy it live.
Also even with my notifications on I am never seeing these Easter eggs, is it something that I need to see on the screen? I always watch on my phone so I only have a small screen so if it's a visual thing I assume I may just be missing it lol.
Thanks again for your company, have a great rest of the night
Lol ever Easter egg is different
There’s one that’s been there in almost every vid for the last year lol
Definitely seen it
Just don’t recognize it
.... yet 😉
Good things are coming!
if i could i would like to listen to the sound of the Shamisen 24/7 legit truth i love the way they sound and ur's for sure ...... and did i ever say one of my favorite song piece from Yoshida Brothers is "By this River" if not then now i did lol XD
I missed the live stream so I had to watch it after but I really enjoyed it. Looking forward to the next one.
Glad that you caught it after!! Thanks so much eh!
26:39 yeah baby
Great stuff as always Norm! Still dreaming of owning and playing one some day!
Great live stream! Loved the music! Seems like shamisen has more in common with the violin family of instruments than guitar, to me. 😃
I played violin when I was very young and I’d say you are definitely on the right path with that thought !
Definitely more similar than with a guitar~
Where can I listen to shamisen?
Great stream btw
Hey Norm, I got to see you play last year at Shamisen Katoh and really enjoyed your performance so it’s nice to see you here as well. I had a question, what kind of synthetic skin are you using and where can it be found. I live in Los Angeles. Thanks!
not just a pretty face then - thank you for teaching, am obligated. am improvising the last thing you played, on mandolin and ukulele, and i have been taught the shamisen is tuned in D, however it sounds like you are in C - may i ask, please - what is your lowest tuned to, and which tuning are you in? and is there any chance these traditional melodies are transcribed in western notation, anywhere?
This is so cool! I've become increasingly interested in the Tsugaru Shamisen thanks to Beni Ninagawa of Wagakki Band. After finding your channel and finding that you play, I've just become even more entranced by this instrument.
When I eventually move to Japan, I definitely want to learn this beautiful instrument.
why not start now?
@@TokyoLens Currently leading toward my final semester of college, so I gotta land a nice job first! :)
Nice and informative stream Norm it was a great way to start the work week off.
Have a great week!
When the torn Hibiki came into play, it reminded me of a banjo at first. Nonetheless, you play it well!
Really really enjoyed this stream, cheers Norm. When I move into my new house and get some spare $ each week I am definitely joining patreon. Been meaning to for a while now.
No worries and no rush eh
Really hope the move goes well!!
Thanks man. Appreciate it
@@DhaniC369 You are welcome
Hi Norm, thanks for the great stream. It was an awesome reason to wake up early.
Thank you!
Loved the live stream thanks so much Norm!
Really glad that you were able to join
Thank you so much Eh!!
That was interesting Norm and the info about it!!! ❤👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for a great stream, Norm. Good to hear you play live and nice to get a load of questions answered, too. I hope you'll do this again sometime. Keep up the good work :D And I've found the Easter Egg!!!!
Really glad that you were able to join
Hopefully we can do another stream soon!!
You're so talented norm!
You’re too kind
Thank you so much for not just watching but also leaving such a kind comment
Hope your day is beautiful~
Skilled*
Thanks again Norm. I really enjoyed the livestream. One question I asked at the end but was unfortunately missed was:
Do Shamisen prefer a specific type of climate? Or just a more consistent climate?
Thanks.
Good one!
Low humidity preferably and consistent as possible!!
@@TokyoLens thanks for the reply. I guess its the same for all wood based instruments then.
Kinda yea
But especially as constant change In Humidity can rip the skin like we saw with my Shamisen today
@@TokyoLens yeah, I felt so bad for you. That look on your face said it all 😢
Lol it’s ok!! It’s all repairable~
ive watched you for a while but have been going through and binging all your videos, you're so fucking cool man lmao
the bachi price is insane, $2000 is more than i paid for my car 😳
Man the 15 hour time difference between Denver and Tokyo is killer. So wanted to catch this live, but 04:30 my body wanted the sleep. Thanks for leaving this up so we could catch it replay. As always, it's awesome hearing you play. No matter how imperfect you feel or errors made/not made, I love how much your love and admiration for shamisen comes through, and that makes all the difference. On a technical note, for me, I think the upper mike was actually picking up all of the nuances better than the lower one. Will you be looking to repair the skin on your original shamisen, or will you be saying goodbye to your old friend?
Thank you so much!!
And I can guarantee you that I won’t be saying goodbye to it!!
Even that older original Shamisen was still thousands of dollars and started the whole life that I have now!! Definitely keeping it!!
Hope your day is beautiful!!
ON FIRE!
I honestly thought the Okinawan version of the Shamisen was a totally different instrument.
Aww nuts. Too bad about the original Shamisen splitting.
But it’s a sign. You are no longer a beginner. And once that bell has rung, it cannot be unrung.
Forward is the only path.
What's the make model of your first shamisen? I've been thinking of trying to learn for awhile now. My budget is pretty low ~$150. To get started. Fingers crossed that its within that range.
Lol there’s no “make model”
And my first Shamisen cost about $2,000
for $150 I would recommend not buying a Shamisen to be honest
I spend over $50 a year just on Shamisen STRINGS lol
But check this out th-cam.com/video/PqKCEnEdNr4/w-d-xo.html
What were 2nd and 3rd string originally made from?
Shame I missed this. I really enjoyed the little historical tidbits you threw in. Real shame about your first one. I could feel the sadness through th screen Will you get it fixed? Also, have you named your new one and did your old one have a name?
Definitely going to get it fixed!!
And I haven’t named either of them!
this is so good
Thank you~
lol managed to get off of work to catch the live stream .
Niiicee
Thanks eh
good job
I loved your imitation of geisha music. It still sounds very Tsugaru-style. :)
Off topic, but I'm looking for help. I am looking for a video of a hotel in japan with a tiny pony luggage cart that one of the 4 japan youtubers i follow went to... But after 10+ hours of vids and many google searchers, i cannot find it. :-( Does this sound like one of your videos or do you know the place I am talking about?
I have good news:
I just talked to Sharla (Sharmeleon) and she says she thinks the video you’re looking for is.......
Japan’s Biggest Morning Market
By Chris Broad! (Abroad in Japan)
Hope it helps eh!
Ah thank you for responding Norm! :-) will take a look. That sounds like the right one. Apologies for the late reply... It's been 48+ hours of friends around the world contacting me for tanjoubi omedetou on facebook... Both fun and time consuming. :-) Thank you again for the response! I hope you are well. Also, loved the kiki video!
Haha no worries at all!! Just didn’t want you to miss the reply! Hope it helps!!
@@TokyoLens it helped tons! Thank you! :-)
So, I missed the Live Stream.
Sorry Norm, but I will re-watch it without skipping the ads. Also, I have the Deja Vu watching this video and writing this comment.
- Putra Hidayah Kazama
So awesome.
Note: If you can, you should record in 60 fps, because that would make your hand movement that much precise and impressive on the video.
I appreciate it mate!!
Huge fan of 24fps! Gotta stick to what we believe in! Hahaha
Really appreciate you joining eh!!
Thank you
@@TokyoLens 24 is definitely awesome for the cinematic experience. I was merely talking about if you want to show close up shamisen moves ;)
Hey man! Hope you are doing well! I'm curious. WHY do you use the Itomaki in this order? First itomaki - Ichi no ito, Second itomaki - San no ito, Third itomaki - Ni no ito? I just started learning, and I realized that. So I'm really curious if this is a personal preference or if you learned that way.
Hi Norm, I recently purchased a used Shámisen, do you have any tips or any channel suggestions for someone who wants to learn the slower and softer Kyoto style of playing? Tsugaru is fun, but it's a little daunting for my fingers.....cheers from Tennessee! ❤
I recognized a lot of the songs played here in the anime Mashiro no Oto (Those Snow White Notes). If anyone is interested, go watch it, only 12 episodes, tons of great shamisen music. And yes, I'm using Norm to promote an anime. No, I'm not ashamed. Thanks for the promotion Norm.
I'm not sure I entirely agree with the general assertion that an absolute beginner shouldn't go for the most affordable thing available. Personally, I think the ability to get a cheaper instrument with a more durable synthetic skin is a great option for someone who isn't sure if it's something they'll enjoy and stick with.
Speaking from my own experience, I have a basic BASIC California-made shamisen with hibiki skin on it that cost me around $400 for the instrument, bachi, strings, and some other small stuff. Yeah the sound probably isn't amazing, but as a beginner I can't really tell the difference. To me, it's definitely more reassuring as an absolute beginner knowing that I'm not gonna easily ruin the instrument accidentally, and if I do, or if I don't end up sticking with it, I'm not out a super significant investment.
If I'm still worth it in a year or so I plan on getting a better one, but for just starting I don't see why it's necessary to get something higher end. This is just my opinion though. Obviously everybody's situation and mindset is going to be different. I just wanted to offer a different POV with regards to starting out.
Also, thanks again for the kamashi tip from last night. I tried putting it into practice with a 4300 kamashi and I already feel much more confident with it!
Thanks so much! I just pulled the trigger on a mid-level 三味線 and there is hardly any good content about it on TH-cam. I'm curious, how does playing it regularly keep the skin from ripping?
Stops it from (for lack of another phrasing) “going stale”
The Shamisen players I work with just started online lessons that are starting by teaching all of those important basics
bit.ly/LearnShamisen
Cheers eh
I thought I had expensive hobbies 😂
Is t temperamental string strenching that defines soo rapidly or is it the tuning pegs? Could this be rectified if they implemented more modern tuning pegs locks to hold strings more secure?
Lol it’s the strings
And ruining the tuning pegs wouldn’t work
Cuz they need to be able to come out easily when the instrument is taken apart for transport
26:39 HOT 🔥🔥🔥
Have you seen that Suzuki makes shamisens? they go for about 40,000yen. I want to buy an entry level shamisen but feels prertty risky to go for something that a car manufacturer have made, even if its created in japan. I'm thinking about getting the beginner shamisen from bachido store :>
Dont touch the Suzuki one
It’s the same as throwing 400 in the trash
Watch this vid:th-cam.com/video/PqKCEnEdNr4/w-d-xo.html
Japans 2 top players (Kiki) run the largest and most comprehensive shamisen school online
(It’s linked in that vid)
And they’re prepped a REALLY good beginner shamisen direct from A Japanese maker
I 100-% recommend that above all other options
@@TokyoLens thanks for the tip. I actually ordered a shabo from them just to play around with and see if shamisen is something for me.
Is the Woods as fragile as a normal shamisen? Can i leave this one outside of the bag a few days or will the Woods bend and warp on shabo aswell if i dont take care of it as a regular shamisen? :o
Hello! Congratulations for this very interesting video. I would like to know if it is possible to "decrease" the sound level of shamisen. Is there any technique or accessory for this purpose? If yes, could you share here? I know that the sound of shamisen is naturally high. In my case, I live in an apartment and the walls are very thin. Thank you for your attention.
Patreon.com/learnshamisen
A whole set of lessons!
Have you bought a shamisen yet?
@@TokyoLens Yes, I have. Do you talk about this question I did in your lessons? 😀
yup! there are entire lessons about it
these arent my lessons per say
They are actually a full set of lessons by 2 of Japan's top champion players
with lessons ranging from proper care, to things like how to play without sound, to repair, skills, tricks, traditional songs, the main tsugaru songs, originals, and more!
Dude what camera are you using for livestreaming? its beautiful
Cheers eh!
Depends on the stream
Pretty sure I mentioned it in the stream though!!
He kinda looks like Ryan Renolds
Would duck tape work? 😅
Awesome video as always 😁
I don't know what's wrong with me and I admit I have no experience with Shamisen, but I find the sound of the cheap Shamisen with the ripped skin much more pleasant, warmer and more resonant than the expensive one. For me the expensive one sounds like it doesn't want to be played. Please forgive my ignorance but I guess I am applying western standards to this...
But man, I really feed off your passion for this thing!
One question if I may - how do you know where exactly to place the bridge? Won't a wrong placement that is out by only a millimeter completely throw off your muscle memory?
I totally agree though on the terrible sound of the plastic bachi.
Thanks Norm, keep the videos coming, and sorry about the ripped skin...!
Honestly when he said a shamisen had to be played just about everyday or the skin will rip I was like "I want one even more now."
I loved this video, I'm so sorry you've had to quit playing due to you're accident.
¿¿Qué le pasoo??
Urgh!!! MISSED IT AGAIN!!!!
😔
@@TokyoLens its like i always miss the start....occasionally i catch the tail end... and i have the bell icon ticked...notifications enabled...but for some funny reason i still don't get the notification....old phones....tsk tsk
and...so so sorry about your old shamisen.... T.T
Hi Norm!Will you sell your old shamisen?
lol absolutely not.
And instruments (especially wooden ones like a shamisen) shouldnt be purchased 2nd hand anyway
its like shoes... its been warn-in to match the player to used it
Either way, the old one was my first ever shamisen, and how I got my start in this world. So it is a protected treasure~
@@TokyoLens totally agree
Will you review the anime Mashiro no Oto?
No
Side wipes around 1 hour 2 min. George Lucas dropped by to produce? 😂
Break all the strings! 🤣
nooooooo lol
Aha, now I know what the Easter egg is !!
@Becks, i could see what it is (since it doesn't appear in other videos), just couldn't tell you what it is! Tiny phone video screen...🙄
Which exact model do you use with the synthetic skin?
?
Can you elaborate on your question?
Which is the shamisen that you use for most of the stream?
What do you mean by “which is the shamisen?”
It’s My shamisen
It was custom made
(As any good shamisen is)
And there’s a whole video about it up on the channel
I can’t understand your question or your goal, sorry
Real question. Does a shamisen player need to have a master? If so where would one find a master?
Good question mate
Honestly I’d highly recommend it
I’ve been apprenticing for nearly a decade and still have so much to learn
We’re actually starting Shamisen lessons if you’re actually interested
But the membership price is cheap literally just for now because we haven’t kicked off yet
Patreon.com/learnshamisen
Cheers eh
Tokyo Lens Wow thank you so much! I’m actually currently saving up for my first shamisen! I’m 14 years old so I don’t have a job yet :/ Hopefully by the time I save up enough those classes will still be available! Thanks again’
They will be~
Probably 5-6x the current price lol
But they’ll be there!!
Make sure you do your research first
And understand that it’s not a toy
And it’s not a guitar
I’d you don’t plan on making it your lifestyle, then it might be better to just get a toy one
Real ones require nonstop constant care that can get very expensive!!
Best of luck to you!!
Tokyo Lens Yes I’ve done a lot of research, and I just really think this instrument is a great fit for me. I am aware of the work that goes into it, but that’s a sacrifice i’m willing to make! Thanks for all of your help!
Video starts at 9:57 :)
Hey Tokyo Lens, I am working on Japanese Top spinning Called kyokugoma, We should collaborate some time
Found the Easter egg!
😉
So... What is the Easter egg?
Lol wouldn’t be an Easter egg if I told you 😉
@@TokyoLens haha fair enough
Better get some duct tape 😜
Didn't you make a video about a brilliant beginner shamisen that you wanted to "get out there" for people to look at?
... no I didn’t~
@@TokyoLens actually found it, there is one where you talk about the ShamiBoy, which was what I was looking for.
Thank you for having such an awesome channel
ahhh that eh!!
I actually have something better!!
kiki and I have actually started online shamisen lessons
And were currently sourcing shamisen even cheaper than the shami boy!
Should be out in a few weeks!
while playing you look like Rob McElhenney
The audio quality sucks in this video.
It’s not a video
It’s a livestream, mate 😊
Have a good day and keep up the positive comments! ☀️
I don't mean to take away from the instrument, but the Shamisen seems so "flawed" , expensive body, expensive strings that snap all the time, constantly goes out of tune, difficult to aquire materials used in its construction, it's almost like it wants to self destruct.
And in that you find the true beauty of the instrument 😊 ❤️