The kaisatsuko (Japanese: 回擦胡, literally "wheel-bowed fiddle") is a mechanical experimental musical instrument invented by Yuichi Onoue of Tokyo, Japan.

The instrument consists of two strings on a fretless neck. A crank is affixed to a small nylon wheel mounted on the body. The player turns the crank, causing the wheel to spin and "bow" the strings. This concept is similar to that employed by the hurdy-gurdy. Unlike most hurdy-gurdies, Onoue's instrument has no keybox, but is fingered along the neck. This detail is similar to the dulcigurdy, a hurdy-gurdy variant recorded by Michael Praetorius.

Kaisatsuko

Besides the Kaisatsuko Onoue also developed a 24-TET quarter tone tuning on his guitar as well as a deeply scalloped electric guitar for microtonal playing techniques.

Kaisatsuko

Sources

External links

Onoue's official site

Experimental string instruments

Hurdy-gurdies

Japanese musical instruments

2003 in Japanese music

2003 musical instruments

Kaisatsuko