[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”|-40px||-40px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.7.7″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Sooner or later everyone has to tackle the task of putting new strings<\/a> on their instrument. The traditional way of attaching the string to the neo is incredibly elegant and simple. You form a loop, slip it over the neo\u2019s eyelet, and tighten it. Simple, elegant, fast \u2014 perfect. Since this is difficult to describe in words, I strongly recommend watching the video at the end of the post.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n All three strings are attached in the same way. But each one has its own little quirks and tricks that can save you effort and frustration. [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#4c5d7c” custom_padding=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”#4c5d7c”]<\/p>\n Simple trick:<\/strong> Because of the tension, the knot at the neo can easily slip on the thin string. To prevent this, you can tie a simple knot at the string\u2019s end before attaching it. <\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”34px||64px|||”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_font_size=”23px”]<\/p>\n Watch the video here:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/_n-hK7X9wI4″ thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(40,122,135,0.75)” _builder_version=”4.6.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”88%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Learn how to quickly and elegantly attach new strings on your shamisen and discover tips for each individual string.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2039,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[87],"tags":[98],"class_list":["post-2040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basics","tag-basics"],"yoast_head":"\nThree strings, three quirks:<\/h2>\n
I always secure the string at the neo first before winding it onto the itomaki. But you can also wind a bit of the string onto the peg first and then fasten the other end at the neo. Like with so many things, there\u2019s no strict right or wrong here \u2014 everyone has to find what\u2019s most comfortable or quickest for them.
Here I\u2019ll show you the method I\u2019ve chosen as best after stringing countless shamisen.
If the shamisen is completely bare, with no strings at all, I always start with the thin string, because it\u2019s fussier to thread through the
I secure one end of the string to the neo first, then wind the string onto the Attaching at the neo<\/h2>\n
Insert the end of the string from the top (from the dou\/corpus side) through the neo\u2019s eyelet, about a finger\u2019s length.
Make a loop \u2014 or better: a loose curl \u2014 by forming the end into an \u201cO\u201d and laying it on top of the string. Direction doesn\u2019t matter.
Where the string crosses, pin it with your index finger from above and thumb from below \u2014 like grabbing the loop with your finger tweezers.
With the loop firmly pinned, flip the string loop over the neo loop, then pull on the long end of the string (the side toward the dou) to tighten it.
As the loop tightens, try to shuffle the whole thing down far enough so that the knot ends up beneath the skin. <\/div>\nWinding on the itomaki<\/h2>\n
The thin string (san no ito) doesn\u2019t have this advantage. It\u2019s smooth and tends to slip out of the hole unless you take precautions. A classic method is to tie a knot after threading it through, but that can be a pain later when changing strings.
A bit fussier, but more elegant:
Thread about a centimeter of the string through the peg\u2019s hole.
Press the short end down along the length of the peg with your finger.
Carefully turn the peg so the winding string pins down that little tail.
Make sure the following turns also cover the short end, so it holds firmly and doesn\u2019t stick out. <\/div>\nUndoing the knot<\/h2>\n
Simply loosen the string at the peg (or, if it\u2019s already broken, it\u2019ll just hang there) and pull apart the neo loop where the string is hooked. This releases the loop, and the string comes off with ease. Pure elegance! <\/div>\n