Master Monochord - Koto - Tampura (KOTAMO) with carry bag

The Melodious, Grounding and Relaxing, all in one

This KOTAMO by Feeltone is tuned in D, with the option of tuning the strings down a semitone to the magical C#. It is strung with 20 plain overtone strings, 10 wound bass strings, 12 koto strings, and 4 tambura strings. This instrument, more dedicated to tonal music, incorporates three traditional string instruments: the Japanese koto, the Indian tambura, and the Mongolian monochord. It is wonderfully multi-stringed and will delight any string virtuoso.

This double sided Concert Monochord (also called KOTAMO or SANDAWA) contains 3 instruments in one:

• The monochrome Monochord with 20 plain overtone strings and 10 wound bass strings, all tuned in D
• The earthy Tampura with 4 strings in D, d, d, A, which produces gentle and long-lasting, Indian-style whirring overtones
• The melodious Koto with 12 Kotos strings, which are individually underlaid with single bridges

Both sides can be played in both upright and horizontal position.

Thanks to the new design, the bridges can be positioned for Koto, GuZeng, or guitar players using the new template. In the classic Japanese/Chinese positioning, the plucking hand is on the right. The template is placed on the peg block and the bridges are positioned so that the highest note is closest to the body. The left hand presses down the string for drawn notes or plays with the other hand to the right of the bridges. This setup is recommended for beginners and newcomers to the instrument. For guitarists who place more virtuosity in their left hand, the template can be placed on the nail block. This positions the bridges so that the lowest note is closest to the body. The bridges can easily be moved to the right or left as desired to intonate other scales. This requires some practice, but is done constantly by traditional GuZeng or Koto players while playing.

The tampura (D, d, d, a) is attached on the same playing level. The tambura strings are plucked, just like the koto. On the tambura, the strings are plucked away from the instrument and upwards to reinforce the traditional buzzing effect. By sliding the jiva (thin cotton strings) underneath, the strings begin to buzz – the tambura comes to life. It is the traditional accompanying instrument in classical Indian music. With its tuning in a fifth (D & a), it forms a harmonious basis for intuitive singing, flutes etc ... .

On the other side is the 30-string monochord – with 20 plain overtone strings running down the center and 5 bass strings on each edge, allowing the breathtaking and endless tapestry of sound to be played with the gentle touch of the fingers. A unique instrument with enormous sonority and perfect reverberation. Multi-stringed, it's suitable for a combination of meditation music, ethereal sounds, and harp-like Asian melodies. A completely new level of experience for guitarists, it offers a simple approach from intuitive, meditative sound to tonal, virtuosic, expressive, or playful melodic dreams.

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