So, recently I've been interested in Okinawan culture and mainland Japans. I've recently had the idea of learning to play an instrument and I was thinking about building a diy Kankara Sanshin (since we can't easily get them where I live). I was wondering if anyone on this subreddit had any blueprints, building tutorials, note sheets, tutorial videos, or anything.
Any other additional info on the Sanchin like how it's different from the Shamisen, how it works or any tips on building would be highly appreciated!
Thank you!
by Spooderman_karateka
1 comment
[This](https://youtu.be/iwqKG5PUVyQ?si=zOv9BEtetzz2y2tJ) is the best I could find, as far as DIY goes.
As for your question, the main difference between Sanshin and shamisen are the materials used to build and play.
Sanshin is traditionally made with snake skin (nowadays mostly synthetic) and has a somewhat shorter arm made of kuruchi wood. Also, a polished bull horn is used as a pick.
Japanese shamisen is longer, made of rabbit or cat skin (if I’m not mistaken), and played with a bachi. Also, while similar, their sound is quite different. For me, the shamisen sound is a little ‘dryer”, shorter and precise, while the sanshin notes tend to reverberate longer and be more melodic.
Btw, where do you live? Maybe you can find small Okinawan communities nearby.
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