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Your shamisen's "type" depends on how it's used and its characteristics. If your shamisen meets a specific subtype, it is that type. If not, refer back to the neck.
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Measure your shamisen's neck width just under the chibukuro to learn its neck class. Look near the dou to see if it has a hatomune or not. Measure its footprint (tip of the tenjin to end of the nakagosaki) to find out is overall size.
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Measure your shamisen's dou's length and width across the flat play space at the widest point to learn its body class.
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Neck Classifications
Dimensions in MetricBody ClassificationsDimensions in metric
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Width
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HosozaoLess than 2.6 cmNibanNot Presently In Database
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NagoyaNot Presently In Database
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ChuuzaoMore than 2.6 cm, less than 2.8 cmNagauta19.6969 x 17.8787
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Go Rin Dai19.8484 x 18.0303
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FutozaoMore than 2.8 cmIchi Bu Dai20.0000 x 18.1818
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Ichi Bu Go Rin Dai20.1515 x 18.3333
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Ni Bu Dai20.3030 x 18.4848
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LengthSan Bu Dai20.6060 x 18.7878
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Seisun98 ~ 101 cm; values up to 103cm have been reportedYon Bu Dai20.9090 x 19.0909
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Go Bu Dai21.2121 x 19.3939
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Roku Bu Dai21.5151 x 19.6969
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Tanzao 92 - 95 cm in generalNana Bu Dai21.8181 x 19.99999
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Note that chuuzao are sometimes referred to as hosozao, either due to borderline sizing or generational linguistic tendencies.Body size names are usually referential back to nagauta. A 五分大 (5分大・go-bu-dai) body is defined as being 5 bu bigger than a nagauta. However, be aware that variance is a constant factor. These are generally hand made instruments, even if modern tools and jigs are used. Match the dimensions as closely as you can.
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