This has been such a great help! Just started learning Biwa last month and today when I was tuning, the third string broke in a real bad place where you can't possibly just tie a new knot. I'm not sure I got the upper knot correct, but at least I can practice again till I see my sensei next time (I'm a super beginner so she hadn't taught me how to do it yet). Thanks a million! :)
If you want to make your own strings, it's very easy. I am making my own strings for my handmade instruments. Take simple polyster sewing thread, 1mm diameter. After, turn it through spin lines 100-150 tour. When the spin lines are close up each other, gives them nice tones like silk strings.
@RikuElement Congrats! The 4-string Chikuzen has four strings but since the third and fourth strings are played together (you'll notice only three notches at the head) it is essentially a three stringed instrument. As such the 3rd and 4th strings are always tuned to the same note, and the first string is one octave lower. The second string is tuned 3 steps higher then the first. Tuning is done relative to voice, but an example would be GCgg. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
Thank you for posting this. I'm thinking of getting into the Biwa. I had previous Balalaika experience so the Biwa shouldn't be hard to learn, just where in Vladivostok am I going to get one?
Thank you for your didactic video. I have to restore a gagaku Biwa from the 19th century. Traditionally were strings ALWAYS made from silk? Or were gut stings sometime used. What should the respective gauge thicknesses be for the for the 4 strings. Thanks a lot for any information you van give.
Yes, silk is always used. Catgut is a Western invention and I've never heard it being used on Eastern instruments before. You can actually get proper silk strings fairly easily in the West from a handful of Japanese string makers that deal with overseas orders but expect them to be rather expensive.
I've just acquired a Chikuzen biwa but it has no strings. I read your comment about special ordering and was wondering if you could recommend a website or source to buy from. Thanks!
What problems will I face if I don't use talc? Also, i was wondering what are the effects over time as the strings leave marks in the bamboo caps on the pillars? Does it sound better or worse? Is sawari increased or diminished? I know players get the caps replaced, but I prolly won't have that option. If it's important to replace them I'll prolly have to find some source of appropriately sized bamboo to cut, sand, and attach on my own. I had a pillar fall off already on account of my biwa being so old. I reattached it with a dollop of gorilla glue. It worked like a charm, but then foamed and left an unsightly ring around the pillar. So then i had to get the dremel out and 3 hours later it's presentable again. Do you have a better glue suggestion for the future? An finally, would you consider sending me an email from your email, so I can DM for questions? I know it's sort of weird givin out personal info, but you can always block me if I turn out to be a sketchy character. I will blow up your inbox with questions! That's just a fact, so no point in my lying to you. However I'm not really pushy, so you can ignore any and all of my DMs if you wish and I won't take it personally. ... unless of course you DM me to say, " I'm ignoring you and it IS super personal!" Then it'd be hard not to take it personally, but I still wouldn't be upset. I appreciate the help you've already offered thus far. BTW Sakata's documentary "mythical tunes of biwa" is great and has some of the tracks from her album you shared with me. My copy STILL hasn't arrived, so thanks again for sharing.
Unfortunately I don't know of any places that sell biwa strings outside of Japan... They have to be special ordered, even here. Maybe if there's enough demand I'll open an online shop or something, selling some biwa strings and accessories, but that would be catering to something like 5 people. But maybe there's a demand.
@sazger I don't know of any online shops in Japan or otherwise which sell biwa strings. I usually order them directly from Japanese instrument shops which specialize in Japanese instruments, directly from the string makers, or buy spares from my teacher. I might set up a string selling business one day, but I'm a little hesitant due to the expense of the strings and the extremely limited market. You might be able to use shamisen or koto strings. Do you have a 5 string or 4 string instrument?
masamune200 To be honest I don't know, I always bought them in Japan from some very specialized suppliers. They are silk strings but perhaps gut classical guitar strings could work in a pinch as they have similar properties.
This has been such a great help! Just started learning Biwa last month and today when I was tuning, the third string broke in a real bad place where you can't possibly just tie a new knot. I'm not sure I got the upper knot correct, but at least I can practice again till I see my sensei next time (I'm a super beginner so she hadn't taught me how to do it yet). Thanks a million! :)
If you want to make your own strings, it's very easy. I am making my own strings for my handmade instruments. Take simple polyster sewing thread, 1mm diameter. After, turn it through spin lines 100-150 tour. When the spin lines are close up each other, gives them nice tones like silk strings.
@RikuElement
Congrats! The 4-string Chikuzen has four strings but since the third and fourth strings are played together (you'll notice only three notches at the head) it is essentially a three stringed instrument. As such the 3rd and 4th strings are always tuned to the same note, and the first string is one octave lower. The second string is tuned 3 steps higher then the first. Tuning is done relative to voice, but an example would be GCgg. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
Also bachis and instruments!:
taiko-shop.com/collections/biwa
Thanks for the video. If trying to string one without proper biwa strings, what should I use. Wound/unwound, Nylon, steel? And what gauges? Thanks.
Thank you for posting this. I'm thinking of getting into the Biwa. I had previous Balalaika experience so the Biwa shouldn't be hard to learn, just where in Vladivostok am I going to get one?
For buying biwa strings, try Taiko Center Online:
taiko-shop.com/collections/biwa/products/biwa-string-set-five-for-chikuzen-biwa (5-string)
taiko-shop.com/collections/biwa/products/biwa-string-set-four-for-gaku-biwa?variant=38837370054
Glad you found it helpful! If you have any trouble please ask and I can try to help you!
Thank you for your didactic video. I have to restore a gagaku Biwa from the 19th century. Traditionally were strings ALWAYS made from silk? Or were gut stings sometime used. What should the respective gauge thicknesses be for the for the 4 strings.
Thanks a lot for any information you van give.
Yes, silk is always used. Catgut is a Western invention and I've never heard it being used on Eastern instruments before. You can actually get proper silk strings fairly easily in the West from a handful of Japanese string makers that deal with overseas orders but expect them to be rather expensive.
hmm, this is exactly what i will refer to when i get a Chikuzen. thanks :]
I've just acquired a Chikuzen biwa but it has no strings. I read your comment about special ordering and was wondering if you could recommend a website or source to buy from. Thanks!
What problems will I face if I don't use talc? Also, i was wondering what are the effects over time as the strings leave marks in the bamboo caps on the pillars? Does it sound better or worse? Is sawari increased or diminished? I know players get the caps replaced, but I prolly won't have that option. If it's important to replace them I'll prolly have to find some source of appropriately sized bamboo to cut, sand, and attach on my own. I had a pillar fall off already on account of my biwa being so old. I reattached it with a dollop of gorilla glue. It worked like a charm, but then foamed and left an unsightly ring around the pillar. So then i had to get the dremel out and 3 hours later it's presentable again. Do you have a better glue suggestion for the future? An finally, would you consider sending me an email from your email, so I can DM for questions? I know it's sort of weird givin out personal info, but you can always block me if I turn out to be a sketchy character. I will blow up your inbox with questions! That's just a fact, so no point in my lying to you. However I'm not really pushy, so you can ignore any and all of my DMs if you wish and I won't take it personally. ... unless of course you DM me to say, " I'm ignoring you and it IS super personal!" Then it'd be hard not to take it personally, but I still wouldn't be upset. I appreciate the help you've already offered thus far. BTW Sakata's documentary "mythical tunes of biwa" is great and has some of the tracks from her album you shared with me. My copy STILL hasn't arrived, so thanks again for sharing.
Unfortunately I don't know of any places that sell biwa strings outside of Japan... They have to be special ordered, even here. Maybe if there's enough demand I'll open an online shop or something, selling some biwa strings and accessories, but that would be catering to something like 5 people. But maybe there's a demand.
i know this was 12 years ago but where can i get a biwa, and how much do they usually cost
Where can I buy biwa instrument? 😭 I seriously need it!
@sazger I don't know of any online shops in Japan or otherwise which sell biwa strings. I usually order them directly from Japanese instrument shops which specialize in Japanese instruments, directly from the string makers, or buy spares from my teacher. I might set up a string selling business one day, but I'm a little hesitant due to the expense of the strings and the extremely limited market. You might be able to use shamisen or koto strings. Do you have a 5 string or 4 string instrument?
I purchased mine online at global.rakuten.com/en/store/taiko-center/item/10001798/
But how to make bachi?
Really useful! I noticed that Japan is starting to influence your accent. (this was bothering me sry XD)
What is luthier name?
I'm repairing a satsuma(?) biwa and need to replace the strings. Where can I find them online?
masamune200 To be honest I don't know, I always bought them in Japan from some very specialized suppliers. They are silk strings but perhaps gut classical guitar strings could work in a pinch as they have similar properties.
Obakedake thank you for your reply. hopefully I can find some proper ones!
masamune200 try eBay too, it's a wonderland