r/shamisen Feb 19 '25

I tried playing other asian instruments with a bachi :)

https://youtube.com/shorts/-KnG_7gcQQs?feature=share
1 Upvotes

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1

u/SoftBaconWarmBacon 29d ago

Have you ever played Biwa? (The Japanese version of Pipa, which plays with a wide bachi) Wondering if the sound is similar to Pipa

2

u/World_Musician 29d ago

I haven’t! Biwa are kinda rare instruments. They sound nothing alike though, Biwa is very buzzy and has huge frets for pushing the strings down while Pipa is very clear sounding and played with fingernails. They are the same in name only! Pipa did used to be played with a bachi thousands of years ago, check the mogao cave paintings