{"id":2211,"date":"2021-10-09T20:11:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-09T20:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shamisen-zentrale.de\/uncategorized\/how-to-store-your-shamisen-properly\/"},"modified":"2025-11-12T03:40:04","modified_gmt":"2025-11-12T03:40:04","slug":"how-to-store-your-shamisen-properly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shamisen-zentrale.de\/en\/basics\/how-to-store-your-shamisen-properly\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Store Your Shamisen Properly"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

How should you store your shamisen? A question that comes to every player\u2019s mind sooner or later. Of course, you want to take good care of your instrument not only while playing but also afterwards. Fortunately, the shamisen is relatively easy to maintain\u2014especially if you have a sturdy case. <\/div>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

The Options<\/h2>\n
Basically, there are three main ways to store a shamisen:<\/div>\n
    \n
  1. \n
      \n
    1. laying it down<\/li>\n
    2. standing it up<\/li>\n
    3. hanging it up<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      \n
      \n
      None of these is fundamentally better or worse than the others. The shamisen doesn\u2019t care whether it\u2019s lying, standing, or tilted sideways. The best option depends on how much space you have and what you find visually pleasing. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      The Common Ground<\/h2>\n
      No matter how you store your shamisen, there\u2019s one rule that always applies: remove the koma<\/a> after playing. (Check out my super compact tutorial: How to remove the koma properly<\/a>.) Then wipe the neck and fingerboard with a soft cloth to remove fingerprints that could damage the wood over time. If your shamisen has a natural skin, place the dou in a washi cover to protect it from humidity. In most parts of Germany, the climate is dry and stable enough that a shamisen can last without one\u2014but if your home\u2019s climate fluctuates, a washi cover adds peace of mind. <\/div>\n
      <\/div>\n
      Next, place the instrument in a soft cloth cover\u2014either a doubukuro, which protects the dou from dust, or a nagabukuro [see article on how to put on a nagabukuro properly<\/a>]. If you don\u2019t have one, a soft cotton scarf or towel works fine as a substitute. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Location and Room Climate<\/h2>\n
      Regardless of whether it\u2019s lying, standing, or hanging, your shamisen should have a comfortable spot:
      away from direct sunlight, radiators, or damp walls.
      Natural materials like wood and skin react to humidity and temperature changes\u2014too much of either can cause cracks.
      A good rule of thumb: if you\u2019d be comfortable spending the day there without freezing or overheating, your shamisen will be, too. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Laying Down<\/h2>\n
      If you have the space, laying the shamisen flat is perfectly fine.
      The surface should be stable and even to prevent slipping or falls.
      I often place mine on the piano\u2014there\u2019s always space, and it stays out of the sun.
      The safest option, however, is to keep it in its instrument case. You can leave the case open for quick access or closed if you have kids or pets to prevent accidents.
      Once inside the case, the instrument is fully protected, no matter the position\u2014lying flat, on its side, or standing up against a wall. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Hanging Up<\/h2>\n
      If you have sturdy walls, you can hang your shamisen. Many guitar wall mounts work well for this.
      The instrument rests on the chibukuro (the curve at the start of the neck).
      Make sure the hook\u2019s fork is narrow enough for a secure fit\u2014some guitar mounts are too wide. Ukulele or violin wall hooks often fit better, depending on your shamisen\u2019s neck width.
      Older hosozao models can have necks as narrow as 24 mm, while futozao can reach up to 34 mm. <\/div>\n
      For maximum safety, hang the shamisen with its front facing the wall.
      This keeps it parallel to the wall and reduces the risk of it being bumped.
      Some prefer to hang it facing forward for display\u2014this looks nice but is slightly less secure. Personally, I always prioritize safety over looks. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      Standing Up<\/h2>\n
      Storing the shamisen upright in a stand is both practical and visually pleasing.
      It lets you admire the instrument and grab it easily to play.
      The downside: you can accidentally bump into it and knock it over. <\/div>\n
      A guitar stand is usually too wide since the shamisen\u2019s body is much thinner.
      If you play a futozao (like a Tsugaru shamisen), it might fit, but usually sits at a slight angle.
      It\u2019s safe, but not ideal. Ukulele or violin stands are often better suited. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

      I tested several models and have a favorite that I can recommend as the most practical stand for shamisen. Check out the article \u201cShamisen Stands Compared<\/a>\u201d \u2013 including an overview and an accompanying video<\/a>. <\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_divider color=”rgba(12,53,124,0.58)” divider_weight=”3px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”19px|||||” custom_padding=”30px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”34px||64px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Playfair Display||||||||” text_font_size=”23px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

      Watch the video here:<\/p>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

      Check out the YouTube video version of this article if you prefer hearing and watching over reading.<\/div>\n

      [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/Dxa6akVjc2I” thumbnail_overlay_color=”rgba(40,122,135,0.75)” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”88%” max_width=”100%” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      If you want your instrument to last a long time, proper storage is essential. There are several ways to keep your shamisen safe and conveniently stored when you\u2019re not playing. Even if you have little space, you can find a good spot for your instrument. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2210,"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":[],"class_list":["post-2211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-basics"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to Store Your Shamisen Properly - Shamisen-Zentrale<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How should you store your shamisen? Standing, lying down, or hanging\u2014all are possible. 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