This is a life-saver because my strings break so infrequently that I always have doubts about the little flippy loop technique when a string finally does bite the proverbial dust.
Thank you so much! My third string broke (thankfully it was near the koma rather than the ito-maki) and I couldn't remember how to re-tie it, so this really helped.
My middle Itomaki has a left dot on it, but it came from the shop strung to the middle string? Also, the knots are far above the edge of the "Do". Should I bother changing this, or re string it?
I'm really new so I'm just gonna ask my stupid questions Does it matter what type of bachi and strings you use? Just wondering I always thought about getting a shamisen just never had the money
Not a stupid question at all! :-) It really depends on the style. For example, classical styles have stricter aesthetic preferences and would require a specific bachi and string thickness. However, if you just want to play shamisen and enjoy the sound, those aesthetic preferences aren't required at all. One can even play shamisen with a guitar pick as well. :)
Around 1:10 of the video, you mention the string has to be tight below the edge of the dou. However, after watching other videos, I see instructions to tight above...Which one is it and what's the logic behind (if any)?
Yes, people do it both ways. Personally, I find tightening it below the edge allows a sharper string angle on the koma which prevents the string from popping out if the koma during upstrokes (something I find happening when I tighten above the edge). Besides that, it doesn't really matter either way. :)
