![]() Students often use nylon strings, which last longer than silk, and are also less expensive. However, silk breaks easily over a short time, so this is reserved for professional performances. The material of the strings will depend on the skill of the player. The head of the instrument may also be protected by a cover known as a tenjin. The upper side of the dō (when on the player's lap) is almost always protected by a cover known as a dō kake, and players often wear a little band of cloth on their left hand to facilitate sliding up and down the neck, known as a yubikake. The lowest string is purposefully laid lower at the nut of the instrument, so that it buzzes, creating a characteristic timbre known as sawari (somewhat reminiscent of the "buzzing" of a sitar, which is called jivari). The strings are stretched across the dō, raised from it by means of a bridge, or koma (駒?), which rests directly on the taught skin. They are taut between the pegs at the head of the instrument, and a cloth tailpiece anchored at the end of the rod which protrudes on the other side of the body. The three strings are traditionally made of silk, or, more recently, nylon. They were traditionally fashioned out of ivory, but as it has become a rare resource, they have been recently fashioned out of other materials, such as various kinds of wood and plastic. The pegs used to wind the strings are long, thin and hexagonal in shape. The neck of the shamisen is a singular rod that transcends the drum-like body of the instrument, partially protruding at the other side of the body, acting as an anchor for the strings. Indeed, some shamisens are made so that they can be easily disassembled and stowed to save space. The sao (棹?), or neck of the shamisen is usually constructed such that it is divided into three or four pieces that fit and lock together. On the skin of some of the best shamisen, the position of the cat's nipples can still be seen. In the past a special type of paper was used and recently various types of plastics are being tried. It is said that the best sound quality is produced from a shamisen bound in cat skin. The shamisens of professional players are often taut in cat skin, as it is more delicate and expensive. Student shamisens often use dog skin, and sometimes plastic, as they are cheaper to replace, and more durable. The skin used depends on the genre of music, and level of skill of the player. The body, called the dō (胴), resembles a drum, having a hollow body that is taut front and back with skin, in the manner of a banjo. The neck of the shamisen is fretless, and is slimmer than that of a guitar or banjo. Its construction follows a model similar to that of a guitar or a banjo, employing a neck, and strings stretched across a resonating body. The shamisen is a plucked stringed instrument. 2 Variations in Construction and Playing Method. ![]()
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