How the tonkori makes its sound
In the Hornbostel–Sachs system, which classifies instruments by how they produce sound, the tonkori belongs to the lutes: strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck – the family of the guitar, violin, sitar and oud.
More broadly it is one of the chordophones (string instruments), where sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.
Press play above and watch the spectrum: the evenly spaced peaks are harmonics, and their relative strength is what gives the instrument its character.
From Wikipedia
The tonkori (トンコリ) is a plucked string instrument played by the Ainu people of Hokkaidō, northern Japan and Sakhalin. It generally has five strings, which are not stopped or fretted but simply played "open". The instrument is believed to have been developed in Sakhalin. By the 1970s the instrument was practically extinct, but is experiencing a revival along with the increased interest in Ainu heritage.
Other lutes
More instruments from Japan
Frequently asked questions
What does a tonkori sound like?
As one of the lutes, its sound comes from the way strings run parallel to a soundboard and along a neck.
What type of instrument is the tonkori?
It is classified as lutes (Hornbostel–Sachs 321.322-5).
Where does the tonkori come from?
The tonkori originates from Japan.
Sources & credits
- Wikidata Q1328494 – CC0
- Wikipedia: Tonkori – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Image by Calistemon – CC BY-SA 4.0