This is an exquisite shamisen, featuring premium tiger-stripe and "chijimi" (tightly curled) tochi wood grain that extends from the tenjin (headstock) to the nakago (tang). Cherry blossoms are now beginning to bloom in Aomori Prefecture. Like those cherry blossoms, the sao (neck) gives the impression that the tochi wood is blooming magnificently. I believe this is a special, top-quality sao that evokes a sense of new life and a fresh breeze. Furthermore, the dou (body) features a "komochi ayasugi-bori" (child-bearing ayasugi carving) and exhibits excellent annual rings, along with a premium tochi-karin (tochi and karin wood) dou with chijimi grain. Total Length: Approximately 102 cm Sao (Neck) Two grooves, top-quality Face Width: Approximately 3.0 - 3.1 cm Thickness: Approximately 3.3 cm Depth: Approximately 3.5 cm Dou (Body) Premium komochi ayasugi dou with tochi wood grain, 5-bu size (very good annual rings) Ito-maki (Pegs): Hon-kokutan (genuine ebony), Suroku (plain silk thread), 8.5 bu Accessories: Temporary joint I have taken care of this shamisen regularly, so although it is a used item, it doesn't feel old. Both the sao and dou are overall glossy, and the metal fittings are also shining. There may be some minor scratches, but there are no noticeable damages. I believe the condition is good and it is a beautiful item, and it is not an exaggeration to say it is a masterpiece. Unlike shamisen for practice or everyday use, this is a special, high-grade instrument, so it hasn't been used frequently or heavily. The depth is as good as when it was new, and I believe it can be used for a lifetime. The sao surface has no warping and I feel it is in a beautifully clean condition, like a mirror. However, as there may be individual differences in perception, please check the images. (I have taken the photos without strings to make the condition of the sao surface easier to see.) *Please enjoy preparing the instrument with your preferred skin (membrane) and accessories such as a dou-gake (body protector). *In addition, I believe there are no major defects in the current condition. However, this item is a used item. I have made every effort to express the item's appeal and condition through many images and descriptions, but it is impossible to convey everything. Therefore, there is a possibility of overlooking subtle scratches, chips, or hairline cracks, and there may be areas that are of concern or not of concern depending on individual differences. Please purchase only if you agree to the premise that you will maintain and adjust the instrument yourself. Please feel free to ask any questions or discuss the price.