I don't know much about shamisen, but I bought this one used. An elementary school child used it for practice. Now that they're in middle school and no longer play the shamisen, I'm putting it up for sale so someone else can use it. It's a chu-zao (medium-length neck). The bachi (plectrum) is not included. It has a koma (bridge), and the skin is dog skin. The yellowing is noticeable, but the sound is good. Price reduced.