GEN lll SHAMISEN

The deal

$41.50 at Plugin Boutique (down from $69.00). The sale runs through November 30, 2026.

What it is

GEN lll SHAMISEN is a virtual three-string Japanese lute from TAKUMI Audio Plugins. It covers a playable range of A2 to D6 and recreates the plucked, percussive tone of the traditional shamisen across 13 playing techniques.

Who it's for

Composers and producers scoring film, games, or cinematic and world-music tracks who need an authentic Japanese string sound. It also suits beatmakers who want a distinctive plucked texture in their arrangements.

Key features

• 13 shamisen playing techniques are switchable via keyswitches or on-screen controls
• BPM-synced upward and downward bends add expressive movement
• A 16-pad Phrase and FX bank provides ready-made ideas
• It runs as VST3, AU, and AAX on macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon) and Windows