{"product_id":"sangenshi-kikuoka-chinton-a-compact-shamisen","title":"Sangenshi Kikuoka: Chinton - A Compact Shamisen","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 28.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eChinton: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 28.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eA Compact Shamisen\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eDelivery\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e: 6-7 weeks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eRefund Policy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/japantastics.jp\/policies\/refund-policy\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003ehttps:\/\/japantastics.jp\/policies\/refund-policy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eChinton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e is a compact shamisen created by Sangenshi Kikuoka, designed to make the enjoyment of the shamisen a natural part of everyday life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eMeasuring approximately two-thirds the size of a traditional shamisen, it has an irresistibly charming presence that invites you to pick it up and play.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eDespite its compact size, Chinton is crafted with authentic quality. Each instrument is carefully handmade by a certified traditional craftsman using time-honored techniques.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eThe playing method is the same as that of a full-sized shamisen, making Chinton an ideal first step for anyone who dreams of playing the traditional instrument one day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003eThis standard model features a clean white acoustic membrane that beautifully complements the natural grain of Japanese hinoki cypress. Its simple and elegant appearance allows it to blend seamlessly into any interior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 3;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e 710 mm (H) × 200 mm (W) × 36 mm (D)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eNeck:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e Japanese Hinoki Cypress\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAcoustic Membrane:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e Yupo® synthetic paper (tear-resistant and highly durable)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eIncluded Accessories:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"circle\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eMount Fuji-shaped bachi (plectrum)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; tab-stops: list 72.0pt;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eDedicated display stand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 14.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-spacerun: yes;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 1;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 24.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;\"\u003eShamisen and Chinton\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eOne of the comments we hear most often from people who play Chinton for the first time is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e\"It sounds much better than I expected.\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAnd there is a good reason for that. Chinton faithfully inherits the techniques and playing style of the traditional shamisen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eIt has the same three strings, uses the same tuning system, and follows the same principle of changing pitch by pressing the finger positions (tsubo) with the left hand. You can even play directly from standard shamisen sheet music.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAt the same time, Chinton has been thoughtfully adapted for modern lifestyles, making it easy to enjoy the sound of the shamisen in everyday life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eThe Sound of the Shamisen, Reimagined for Modern Living\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eTraditional shamisen necks are made from dense hardwoods such as kouki (red sandalwood), shitan (rosewood), or karin (Chinese quince). Chinton, by contrast, uses Japanese hinoki cypress.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAs a result, while the shamisen produces a sharp, powerful resonance, Chinton offers a softer, warmer, and more rounded tone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eThe body material is also different. Traditional shamisen are covered with cat skin or dog skin (though synthetic alternatives have become more common in recent years), while Chinton uses Yupo®, a highly durable synthetic paper.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAlthough it does not reproduce the delicate nuances of natural skin, it offers practical advantages: it will not tear and is unaffected by humidity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAnyone who owns a shamisen may be familiar with worrying about the condition of the skin during Japan's rainy season or accidentally damaging it. With Chinton, you can simply leave it in your living room without concern.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003ePlayed with a Pick\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eA traditional shamisen is played with a large wooden plectrum called a \u003ci\u003ebachi\u003c\/i\u003e, shaped somewhat like a ginkgo leaf. The player strikes the strings with a wrist motion, creating the powerful and distinctive sound for which the shamisen is known.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eHowever, mastering the correct angle, force, and wrist movement requires time and practice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eChinton is played using the included Mount Fuji-shaped pick.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eUsed much like a guitar pick, it allows beginners to start playing intuitively. While it does not produce the same powerful attack as a traditional bachi, it makes the instrument much more approachable—something you can pick up and play whenever the mood strikes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eThe fundamental sensation of pressing the strings and producing notes, however, remains very much the same as with a shamisen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eEasy to Enjoy at Home\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eA standard shamisen measures approximately 100 cm in length, while Chinton is about 70 cm long.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAlthough the difference may seem small on paper, it feels substantial in practice. Chinton is light enough to hold comfortably with one hand, allowing you to take it off a shelf and start playing immediately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eVolume is another important difference. A shamisen is designed to project rich, powerful sound suitable for practice halls and stage performances, but that can require consideration in apartment living.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eChinton produces a gentler volume that is unlikely to disturb people in adjacent rooms. It is quiet enough to enjoy even in the evening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eAn Instrument Connected to the Shamisen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eThe number of strings (three), the tuning systems (\u003ci\u003eHonchoshi\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eNiagari\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eSansagari\u003c\/i\u003e), and the basic left-hand fingering techniques are all shared with the shamisen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eWhat you learn on Chinton can be carried directly over to a traditional shamisen. This is why experienced shamisen players often feel immediately comfortable when they pick up a Chinton.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eChinton is not a completely different instrument—it is an instrument that remains closely connected to the shamisen tradition.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-outline-level: 2;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 18.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eWhich One Is Right for You?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eIf your goal is to study the shamisen seriously or eventually perform on stage, we recommend starting with a traditional shamisen. There are techniques, including the use of the bachi, that can only be fully learned on the instrument itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eOn the other hand, if you would like to enjoy traditional Japanese sounds in daily life, experience a stringed instrument for the first time, or keep an instrument readily available at home, Chinton may be the perfect choice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eSome players begin their musical journey with Chinton and later move on to a full-sized shamisen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eWe created Chinton with the hope of bringing the beauty, sound, and playing experience of the shamisen into modern homes and lifestyles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\" align=\"left\" style=\"mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-align: left; mso-pagination: widow-orphan;\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-size: 12.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: 'ＭＳ Ｐゴシック'; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;\"\u003eWe hope Chinton will serve as a welcoming gateway to the world of the shamisen and allow you to enjoy the charm of this traditional Japanese instrument in your everyday life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-US\" style=\"font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Japantastics, Inc.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47738504380652,"sku":null,"price":26500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0764\/6527\/5116\/files\/0119cnt_01.webp?v=1781331595","url":"https:\/\/japantastics.jp\/products\/sangenshi-kikuoka-chinton-a-compact-shamisen","provider":"Japantastics","version":"1.0","type":"link"}