Musical questions...

[Hiroyuki]

I'm looking for some help in regards to japanese string instruments. I like the samisen, tho haven't had a cance to play one. I can play a bass, so i think i can pick up a new instrument quickly. I'm also interested in the long instrument that sits on the floor(name has slipped my mind.) Does anyone know any good websites with music/recordings of these instruments? I'm also looking for a website to buy one from... Plese assist me.

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

The instrument to which you refer is a koto ... of which I know absolutely nothing (it's kinda of refreshing to say that now and again ). Here is a link to Google:
www.google.com/search?&q=koto

[Hiroyuki]

damn, i can see you are a good goto guy for info. thanks again man...

[Saionji Shonagon]

Isn't it a shame you can't walk into the Guitar Center at the mall and say, "I'd like to try that biwa, please"?

You might try Lark In The Morning at www.larkinam.com as they carry a variety of musical instruments. Be sure to read their return policy so you don't get stuck with an instrument you're not happy with. They have a variety of recordings, so you might search there.

eBay is another place where to look, but again, caveat
emptor.

Smithsonian's Folkways Recordings, once the bastion of American folk music, has branched out into world folk traditions as well. Go to www.folkways.si.edu for more info, both on traditional CDs and digital downloads.

Makiwara

[Hiroyuki]

thanks, tried lark, nogo there. gonna check ebay...

may end up building one... that could be fun!

[Ryokai]

Ah music, finally an area that doesn't mistify me like armour and clothes crafting.

Depending on the era of your persona you might also be able to get away with a variety of chinese stringed instruments. The grandfather of the koto is the Gu Zheng which sits on the floor just like the koto and is equiped with anywhere from 18 to 21 strings. If you like the samisen you might also try the Guqin which is a zither, traditionally with 7 strings.

If you really want to stretch your briain while keeping in line with your bass roots try the Jar Hu, or the Er Hu. The Jar Hu is the chinese chello, tuned and played in the same manner, the Er Hu is two stringed and tuned with and AD pattern, I think. I've played both these instruments and they really are beautiful.

Another fun one is the Yuet Chin, I've only had the pleasure of playing this once but it was a lot of fun.

If you wanted to get off the stringed path I reccomend either the Shakuhachi or the Xiao, the Xiao was another grandfather instrument, this time grandfathering the Shakuhachi, and the ambature is a lot easier to get right than that of a traditional flute. Its played like a recorder more or less. I recently purchaced a Xiao and am loving it.

Thats all I can think of as far as instrumental reccomendations go. Just remember, theres a lot of things that went from mainland China into Japan. You might also research Korean instruments as well. Theres a lot of things that translate over from the three reigons.

[Saionji Shonagon]

Which reminds me, a friend of mine says she has a gu zhen that needs a home. I'm waiting on digital photos and an asking price and will post them when I know what she wants to do with it.

Makiwara

[Otagiri Tatsuzou]

Ryokai-dono will be at Estrella (hint,hint).

[Ryokai]

Ooh!

Mikawara, if you could please keep me notified on that gu zheng. I've been mauling over the need versus want factor. If the asking price is right I might just be swayed. Call it an early birthday present to myself.