Kaisatsuko - an experimental fiddle-like instrument
By Shay • May 27th, 2008 • Category: MoreContinuing down the experimental path, why not take it a step further with an instrument?
The Kaisatsuko (回擦胡, wheel-bowed fiddle) was invented by Onoue Yuichi (尾上祐一). The experimental instrument is a electric, two-string upright fiddle operated by a small crank. It is played by turning the crank — thus bowing the strings — and fingering the strings on the fretless neck. The concept of the Kaisatsuko is similar to that of a hurdy gurdy as is the sound of the droning strings.
It’s quite a clever instrument, a hybrid between an erhu and hurdy gurdy that sounds Indian. On his webiste’s intro, Onoue says:
I produce a little bit strange and odd music by means of various musical instruments (which include some handmade instruments) and computer programming and recording machine. I like both composing and improvising.
Watch Onoue perform “Within You Wihout You” by The Beatles on the Kaisatsuko:
Shay is hanging out with a soccer-playing buffalo.
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That is a unique invention that can be listed as one of the strongest and coolest musical instrument. It sounds very Indian, indeed.