I had this sanshin repaired at a sanshin shop in Tokyo. The paint was polished, and it looks brand new. While it has a reinforced skin, it's covered with thick snakeskin of a high rank, and combined with the properties of the wood, it produces a soft, pleasant sound and has a simple, elegant appearance. There is some discoloration on the skin due to UV exposure, but there is no sign of deterioration, and it can still be played for a long time. Yushi wood has become a standard in the sanshin industry, but due to excessive logging after the war, it is now prohibited from being cut in some areas, so it's a good idea to get one while you can. About Yushi Wood: Also known as Isunoki, it is prized for sanshin, as well as for floor pillars and windbreaks, and its production areas are mainly in subtropical regions such as Okinawa and Southeast Asia, including Taiwan. It has the contradictory characteristics of being both strong and flexible, and these characteristics are reflected in its sound. Note: The black parts of the wood are not defects, but rather repairs to cracks found during the processing of the raw wood; they do not affect the sound or quality. Please refrain from purchasing if you are looking for shop-level quality or are overly concerned about details. Specifications: Head - Type: Makabe Neck - Material: Yushi wood / Isunoki Body - Dou (resonator): Reinforced skin Skin tension: 70% Maker: Unknown Year of manufacture: Around 2015 Paint: Sunchi - See-through natural Accessories: Semi-hard case Estimated new price: 90,000 yen Repair details: Body patch. String and thread hook replacement. Throat adjustment. Kumihimo (braided cord) replacement. Paint polishing