Master Monochord KOTAMO

The KOTAMO is in tuning D

Grounding and relaxation - 3 in 1

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Technical data:

• Monochord with 20 plain overtone strings in D
• 10 wound bass strings in D
• 4-string tambura in D, d, d, a
• 12-string koto with harp-like sound (fundamental d)
• Wood: frame - cherry, soundboard - ash
• Size: 129 x 30 x 11 cm
• Accessories: Incl. feet, u-stand, tuning key, tuner, spare strings, 12 koto tabs, tuning template and tambura bridge
• Matching bags and mallets available separately
• Biologically treated with hard wax oil
• Made in Germany

The KO-TA-MO (MO-46GK) from feeltone is strung in D tuning, with the option of tuning the strings down a semitone to the magical C#. It is strung with 20 blank overtone strings, 10 wound bass strings, 12 koto strings and 4 tambura strings. This instrument, which is more dedicated to tonal music, comprises three traditional stringed instruments: the Japanese koto, the Indian tambura and the Mongolian monochord. It is wonderfully versatile and will delight any string virtuoso.

Thanks to the new design, the single bridges can be positioned for Koto, GuCheng or guitar players using the new template. In the classic Japanese/Chinese positioning, the plucking hand is on the right. The template is placed against the peg block and the single bridges are positioned so that the highest note is towards the body. The left hand presses down the string for plucked notes or plays together with the other hand to the right of the single bridges. This set-up is recommended for beginners and newcomers to the instrument. For guitarists who have more virtuosity in their left hand, the template can be placed on the nail block. This positions the single bridges so that the lowest note is towards the body. The stringing of the koto is also chosen in D, here in D-diatonic, whereby two notes are tuned below the D scale and two above the octave. This means that the scale starts in B minor, which is the minor parallel to the D major scale. As a result, the KOTAMO comes with two scales to play. The single bridges can easily be moved to the right or left as required in order to play other scales. This requires some practice, but is something that traditional GuCheng or Koto players do all the time while playing.

The tambura (D, d, d, a) is next to the koto. The tambura strings are plucked, just like the koto. The strings of the tambura are plucked upwards, away from the instrument, to emphasise the traditional buzzing effect. By pushing the jiva (threads) underneath, the strings begin to buzz - the tambura comes to life. It is the traditional accompanying instrument in classical Indian orchestras, which forms the basis for the virtuosos with its sound.

On the other side is the 30-string monochord - with 20 blank overtone strings running down the centre and 5 bass strings at each edge, allowing the breathtaking and endless sound carpet to be played with a gentle stroking.

A unique instrument with an enormous richness of sound and perfect reverberation. Versatile and suitable for a combination of meditationmusic, spherical sounds and harp-like, Asian melodies. A completely new level of experience for guitarists and an easy approach from intuitive, meditativesound to tonal, virtuoso, expressive or playful melodic dreams.

Product safety information:

Product: Master Monochord KOTAMO
Manufacturer: feeltone - Ingo Böhme, Am Sonnenacker 2, 17440 Lassan
Email: shop@feeltone.com
Publication: before December 2024

Hazard warning:
The strings can break if overstretched, resulting in a risk of injury from the loose ends. You can pinch your fingers when placing the single bridges under the strings. The brass pins in the single bridgse are sharp and pointed, risk of injury.