17-string koto
A deeper-voiced koto with 17 strings, invented in 1921.
The 17-string koto is a variant of the koto that has 17 strings rather than the usual 13. It was invented in 1921 by Michio Miyagi, who sought a greater range than the standard koto offered. Sometimes called a bass koto, it produces a deeper sound and requires specialized plectra.
Quick Facts
- Inventor
- Michio Miyagi
- Year of invention
- 1921
- Number of strings
- 17
- Alternative names
- 17 stringed koto, bass koto
- Wood used
- Paulownia tomentosa (kiri wood)
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- In 2000, musician Naito Masako of the Seiha faction of the Ikuta school constructed a new version called popcorn, finished in bright colours such as pink, yellow, or blue.
- Musicians have invented new techniques using more of the left hand to produce more pitches on one string.
- Plucking the strings over the cylindrical holder creates a sudden shrill sound.
Construction
The bass koto is made from Paulownia tomentosa, known as kiri wood, with a body roughly twice as thick as a regular koto. The wood is dried and treated traditionally until it achieves the correct properties. Its strings are typically yellow silk threads that give a deep sound, tied at both ends over an ivory platform and small cylindrical holders. The bridges (jī) and plectra are larger than average, with plectra made from a specialist ivory-like material.
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