Looking for an instrument to play- possibly a shamisen or a lute.
 

I'm looking for an instrument to practice playing. Particularly one whose sound appeals to me (maybe folk instrument, like a lute or a shamisen). Unfortunately, I've never played an instrument so I'm not sure where to start with either of those. Also, I can't find any place to buy a shamisen online in the united states.

being that its a traditional japanese instrument i wouldn't expect you to be able to find a shamisen online too easily.

it's also got more in common with the banjo than with a guitar, unlike the lute which has more in common with the guitar.

what other instruments do you play? maybe start with something a bit more traditional for your area. if you want something different than an acoustic guitar there's still banjo, mandolin, ukulele, etc. a mandolin would be kind of similar to a lute, relatively easy to learn, small and compact.