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MiG-19 |
My Shamisen, an Okinawan
5 comments on “Untitled Photo”
robmac07 Says:
Thursday, February 26, 2009 @4:22:29 AM
Thanks for the nice comment re the 'Cuckoo's nest' on my Hangout page, Jay.
Nice photo. Is that a snakeskin head?
A real old time 'banjo'.
Fascinating how many ancient instruments had skin heads.
MiG-19 Says:
Thursday, February 26, 2009 @11:31:40 AM
It is an actual python head. It's a Japanese Samisen (pronounced "sham-me-sin"). I don't know how to play it, but it is a beautiful instrument used strictly as a decoration in my home. During the summer, I can hear them being played every night up and down the street in the neighborhood. It's extremely popular here on Okinawa.
robmac07 Says:
Thursday, February 26, 2009 @5:29:05 PM
Had a listen to some top Japanese 'pickers' on Youtube. Boy some of those Samisen players are 'hot'! Don't know how they handle that enormous plectrum - lots of practice.
Seems to be enjoying a real revival, bit like old timey is in the West
Cheers
Rob
Greg Connor Says:
Sunday, June 14, 2009 @2:12:51 PM
What an interesting instrument. You mentioned above that the head was actually a Python head. I'm curious what it sounds like?
MiG-19 Says:
Monday, June 15, 2009 @4:58:53 AM
Greg, it actually sounds a lot like a banjo, only it has 3 strings vice 5, no frets (like old-time). The Okinawan way of playing it is moderate to slow, and at night here you hear them all up and down the street where I live. It is a very prominent part of Okinawan culture and life. It's very quaint to hear it during the summer. Within a block of my house are probably 3 makers of samisens. They are regarded as the Geoff Stellings of the Samisen! There is a young guy in Tokyo that wails away on it in a super fast tempo and it makes some incredible techno-rock music.
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