KOTAMO Master Monochord
The KOTAMO Master Monochord by feeltone is an extraordinary stringed instruments — a single handcrafted body that unites three ancient musical traditions: the Japanese koto, the Indian tambura, and the monochord. Made in Germany from cherry and ash wood, it is designed for sound healers, overtone singers, and string musicians who want to explore the full spectrum from deep meditative drone to virtuoso melodic expression.
With 46 strings across three distinct playing surfaces, the KOTAMO offers an enormous richness of sound and perfect reverberation — versatile enough for meditation music, spherical soundscapes, and harp-like Asian melodies alike.
The three instruments in one:
- Monochord side — 20 plain overtone strings + 10 wound bass strings in D, played with a gentle stroking motion to create a breathtaking, endless sound carpet of shimmering harmonics.
- Koto — 12 strings with movable single bridges, tuned to D-diatonic. Bridges can be positioned for koto, guzheng, or guitar playing styles using the included template. Two scales are available depending on bridge placement. Produces a warm, harp-like sound.
- Tambura — 4 strings (D, D, D, A), plucked upward to emphasize the traditional buzzing effect. Activated by pushing jiva threads beneath the strings, the tambura adds the characteristic meditative hum of classical Indian music.
Tuned to D (can be tuned down a semitone to C#). A completely new level of experience for guitarists, and an accessible entry point from intuitive meditative sound to tonal, expressive melodic play.
Specifications:
- 20 plain overtone strings in D + 10 wound bass strings in D
- 12 koto strings, D-diatonic
- 4 tambura strings (D, D, D, A)
- Wood: frame — cherry; soundboard — ash
- Size: 129 × 30 × 11 cm | Range: D3–D2 (Tambura 5th: A2)
- Includes: feet, U-stand, tuning key, tuner, spare strings, 12 koto bridges, tuning template, tambura bridge
- Finished with biologically treated hard wax oil
- Handmade in Germany
Optional add-ons: matching bag, mallets, leg extension for playing seated in a chair.
