Kotamo

Master of Improvisation

The Ko-ta-mo is a mix of three different instruments: koto, tambura and monochord. The monochord goes back to Pythagoras and is thus of European origin, the tambura is an Indian accompanying instrument and the koto is a Japanese melody instrument.

The way of playing is relatively simple. From the first moment you can lure very beautiful sounds from the instrument.

Of course, the kotamo can also be combined with classical instruments such as guitar or violin, which often creates completely new sound spaces and ideas.

Kotamo - Manufactory Meerklang

Sound

The monochord is on one side of the instrument, the koto and tambura on the other. When you run your fingers over the monochord side, where all the strings are tuned to one note, a sound develops which is at the same time very wide open and full of overtones and yet surprisingly deep. It’s fascinating to experience that although all the strings are tuned to one note, a whole spectrum of other notes (overtones) can be heard. On the acoustic