Monochord
For the meditative handling of sounds
What we call a monochord today was originally an instrument with one string, which was used at the time of Pythagoras as a measuring instrument. It was discovered that shortening the freely vibrating string using integral subdivisions (a half, a third, a quarter etc.) produced a harmonic sequence of notes which corresponds to the natural overtone scale: octave, fifth, fourth, third…
This discovery was applied to other fields such as architecture. So for example the dimensions of a door commonly built today are 2m×1m, which corresponds to the interval of an octave.
Sound
Compared to the Kotamo, the monochord is limited to a single tone, but due to the large number of strings, the entire overtone spectrum unfolds in an equally fascinating way. However, a melody playing, as on the Koto, is not possible.
The playing technique is extremely simple and therefore the monochord is suitable for all those who are more concerned with a meditative handling of sounds.
The Meerklang monochords are covered with 30 to 36 strings, all tuned to the same tone, with the two outer strings slightly thicker and one octave lower. This gives this instrument not only the very overtone-rich and spherical sound, but also a beautiful warm bass. To enhance this effect, a third bass string can be raised in the middle.
