The Difference between Minyo shamisen and Tsugaru shamisen (Sorry, talking-only!)

In July 2021, Bachido released the Starling, our very first high end minyo shamisen! With Bachido's high end shamisen primarily consisting of tsugaru shamisen, this is a great step in expanding the accessibility for all types of shamisen.
Shortly after the release, some folks asked what's the difference between a "minyo" shamisen and a "tsugaru" shamisen. As an instrument, very little. besides the minyo shamisen being slightly smaller, the two types will sounds very similar if the same skin, strings, koma and bachi was used. The minyo-specific tone (referring to the formal minyo style, not the broader folk music) is created when particular accessories are used. Alas, I don't own these accessories, but I did manage to fill the video with my mouth movements instead!
Note, misunderstandings can often occur when referring to the instruments as "minyo shamisen", "tsugaru shamisen" and such, as the combination of referring to both a style and instrument is like referring to a guitar as a "blues guitar" or "jazz guitar". Thus, it can bring greater understanding to separate the style from the instrument by referring to the shamisen by hosozao, chuuzao, and futozao (thin neck, middle neck, and thick neck), as well as the dou size. I didn't do that much in this video, but it was morning and I didn't have coffee yet.

[@JasonSeymore]

Thank you for the thorough explanation! I learned some new things this morning, and am better for it. :) Take care!

[@jared3562]

Great information! Very nice to hear an honest answer on the difference or lack there of.

[@TsugaruShamisen]

Riiiight? Someone's gotta bring the reel of real, after all! :-P

[@stinky_lizard]

Perfect explanation, and that bit at the end about the thickness was something I wanted to know more about too.

[@TsugaruShamisen]

Yay! I'm glad it satiated the curiosity! Thanks for asking the question! :-)

[@GarrisonMorton]

Is the Tsugaru easier to personalize than other types? Decorated doukake for example. I only see Tsugaru compatible doukake on the Bachido store.

[@TsugaruShamisen]

Hmm... that's a good question. It's a bit easier for the doukake, because standard blank resin shells are available for it, which makes it easy to decorate. Such shells aren't available for the other kinds, but there are a wide variety of variety ornate doukake available for those (just not as easy to DIY) Otherwise, the rest is the same, methinks. (Only talking outside of the formal paradigm. Personalization isn't a thing inside the formal style)

[@GarrisonMorton]

@@TsugaruShamisen I have no interest in entering the formal world of Shamisen. I just want to learn to play it. I just like having all of my instruments personalized as my own.

[@VedunianCraft]

Interesting video! I think I'll attempt to make one! From what I've seen you make those yourself? You did (also) a wonderful job on those pegs!!

[@nikiplay8775]

Thanks that was very helpful

[@baha3223]

hey how did your brother play the viola like a igil(morin khuur) ??