Suiko ST-20 & Strymon BigSky // Dreamy Japanese Sound (short sound demo + jam)

video upload by Dexba

"I am always been fascinated by Asian instruments, and in fact, I even own and play an original koto.
So, when I found out these Suiko things existed, I immediately felt the need of owning one.
It came from Japan, it's vintage (seems like they where produced in small number during the 80s) and it sounds kinda awful without reverb, to be honest.
The koto sound is quite harsh, and it doesn't really sound like a real koto, since it has no polyphony, no way to 'prepare' the pitch bend, no velocity sensitivity, and the overall sound is quite poor.
Then there is the flute, quite a nice one, and a very screaming organ that gets annoying pretty soon.
But, as soon as you add a reverb, possibly a good one, you get back some sort of polyphony, you iron out the roughness, and even the limitations can become useful tools!
Enjoy! ✨"

Suzuki TES-371S (WARAKU III) Electronic Taishogoto / Koto Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"This instrument is beautiful, although it has some minor fine scratches on the instrument.

A photo-copy of user manual written in Japanese language will be provided.
An AC100V to DC 10V adapter with center negative will be provided.

Technical information:
Dimensions: 72 × 22 × 9 cm.
Weight: Instrument Wt : Approx. 2.716 kg, Case: 2.390 kg, Total : 5.106 kg.
Package Weight : 7 to 8 Kg.
Accessories: Pick, AC100V to DC10V power adaptor and a semi-hard case.

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SUIKO ST20 japanese classic exotic KOTO synth

via this auction

"SUIKO ST20 is extremely rare and most strange japanese electronic musical instruments originally made for japanese traditinal music circa. 1980.

it's built in cool brown custom suitcase like EMS synth, one side of the suitcase is a speaker so you can play without external amp or mixer but don't worry it has audio output too. keyboard itself is built in beautiful brown metal plate, look cool!

these keyboards were very expensive and made very limited quantities those days so i'ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays... this is your first and last chance to get this vintage gem!

it has 2 rows of button keyboard this keyboard specially designed for playing glissando easily like koto(japanese harp) front row of the keyboard is japanese scale,so just playing randomly you can easily get exotic japanese melody!

there are various switch and dial for special japanese tuning and sustain and octave switch three sounds are selectable,shyakuhachi(japanese bamboo flute),koto(japanese harp) and pipe organ sounds are very analog, warm and strange!"

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Icebreaker Audio: Akebono - Koto Synthesizer Demo

Akebono - Koto Synthesizer Demo from Icebreaker Audio on Vimeo.

"Save Icebreaker Audio campaign update:

If the Indiegogo campaign is a success, first thing I will do is create a Kontakt instrument based on this unique suitcase instrument.

It's from Japan (all panel text is Japanese) and from the 80s. It was designed for Koto practice and has a few cool features.

I try to demo a few different sounds, and give a feel for the instrument.

Check out the campaign here: http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/save-icebreaker-audio
A free Battery Kit containing the percussion sounds is available here: http://www.icebreaker-audio.com/free-stuff/battery-kits/"

Follow-up to this post.

SUIKO ST-50

via this auction

"SUIKO-ST50 BASIC is extremely rare and most strange japanese electronic musical instruments it was originally made for japanese traditinal music circa. 1990. SUIKO-ST50 BASIC was a expensive and most full functional product of SUIKO series

SUIKO-ST50 BASIC was very expensive and made very limited quantities those days originaly made for the very small circle of the people who seriously studying japanese traditional music and never sold at ordinary musical instruments market so i'ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays... this is your first and last chance to get this vintage bizarre gem!

it has 2 rows of button keyboard this keyboard specially designed for playing glissando easily like koto(japanese harp) front row of the keyboard is japanese scale,so just playing randomly you can easily get exotic japanese melody! it has internal stereo speakers and stereo output jack,phone jack,pedal jack,AC jack

there are various switchs for special japanese tuning, sustain, octave shift, vibrate, bend, mono/poly switch etc trill switch easily simulates unique trill playing on Koto(japanese harp) two bend lever are available,pitch and sound level most strange function is auto chord button(left below 4 button) hold one keyboard and touch this button it automaticaly generates special exotic japanese style chord it's not same as western theory but it from various japanese moods of poetic minds,really exotic! and it also has auto play/rec function,you can record and play your performance and play another instruments over your recording sound

4 sounds are selectable,KOTO(japanese harp),SHAKUHACH(japanese bamboo flute),SUIKO(original sound),and STRINGS mainly japanese traditional instruments

this is BASIC model of SUIKO ST-50,it has only 4 sounds expanded SUIKO ST-50 has more sounds but other functions are same (usually I'm selling "expanded SUIKO ST-50" for $799)

sounds are very realistic,warm and strange!,unique original japanese sounds

I recommends SUIKO-ST50 for the artist who tired of western electronic instruments and seeking for fresh and bizzare sounds and also recommends those who seriously studying japanese traditional music"

SUZUKI WARAKU III Gold Edition! Japanese Futuristic KOTO SYNTH RARE!

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"WARAKU III is extremely rare and one of the most strange japanese electronic musical instruments
it was originally made for playing japanese traditional music and made by SUZUKI(home of NOBARA,Tronichord..)
but this is one of most strange & bizarre instrument SUZUKI ever made...

WARAKU III was last and top of the line product of WARAKU family and already discontinued products
and this one is very cool gold edition.

WARAKU III is basically a Koto Synth that original WARAKU and NOBARA into one and add more functions
I'm also selling original WARAKU and NOBARA in my eBay listing,so please check these Koto Synth too."

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OB-6 Venture Vol.2 Patches Vid 2 of 2 (no talking) #patch #custom #ob6 #sequential

video upload by Orano Music

Vid 1 here

"OB-6 Venture Volume 2 is a follow up to the very popular Venture Vol.1 Pack.

These Banks require OB-6 OS containing Vintage Mode to operate correctly.

I was overwhelmed with the success of Volume.1 and have set out to make this one even better.

Containing another 84 custom patches for your OB-6, most with sequence info for you to use in your productions or recreate your own if preferred.

Lush Pads, Lovely Keys, Vintage Synths, I have tried to cover many genres to cater for all the requests :)"

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SUIKO-100

via this auction

"UIKO-100 is extremely rare and most strange japanese electronic musical instruments
it was originally made for japanese traditinal music circa. 1980. SUIKO-100 was a most expensive and top of the line product of SUIKO series

it built in cool brown custom suitcase like EMS synth, one side of the suitcase is a speaker so you can play without external amp or mixer but don't worry it has audio output too. keyboard itself is built in beautiful plastic case and design look little bit like Roland TB-303 BASSLINE keyboard is separatable from it's case

these keyboards were very expensive and made very limited quantities those days made for the very small circle of the people who seriously studying japanese traditional music so i'ts very hard to find even in Japan nowadays... this is your first and last chance to get this vintage bizarre gem!

it has 2 rows of button keyboard this keyboard specially designed for playing glissando easily like koto(japanese harp) front row of the keyboard is japanese scale,so just playing randomly you can easily get exotic japanese melody!

there are various switchs and dial for special japanese tuning, sustain, octave, vibrate, bend, mono/poly switchs are avaliable and it also has auto play/rec function,you can record and play your performance and play another instruments over your recording sound

many sounds are selectable,mainly japanese traditional instruments like shyakuhachi(japanese bamboo flute),koto(japanese harp) and to oboe, strings, chorus etc.. in drums mode it become exotic rhythm section full of japanese traditional drums and percussion and you can play all these percussion by keyboard

sounds are very real and warm and strange!,very unique original sounds even chorus or strings sound has dark vintage sound color like mellotron

I recommends SUIKO-100 for the artist who tired of western electronic instruments and seeking for new and bizzare sounds also recommends those who seriously studying japanese traditional music

Item is used but very good condition and working. some scratch on box using 6 batteries or DC9V adaptor(not included)"

PlantsSystem-CircuitKoto

video upload by plantssystem

"'CircuitKoto' from PlantsSystem.
The delicate and clear tone of the instrument is simulated using the analog synthesizer Prophet-5. The unique resonance of the koto, such as the attack and decay of the sound and slight pitch fluctuations, is expressed using electronic sounds.
We hope you will experience the sound that lies at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, acoustic and analog. #prophet5 #polyseq #koto"

Cs2x Synth Pad & Koto 'I Dream of Tokyo' Song-A-Day & RPM Challenge 25

Published on Feb 26, 2019 ChrisLody

"Song-A-Day & RPM Challenge 25

I spent most of my time tonight crafting this stonking great big pad sound on the Yamaha Cs2x and almost didn't know what to do with it. It ended up turning out nothing like what I was planning when I went in the studio but never mind. So lots of Cs2x synth pad action and it XG (extended general midi) Koto sound which I think sound quite nice in the mix. Apologies for the slightly blurry crossfades, I managed to knock the camera between tracks."

Native Instruments Unveils Scene: Lotus – A Blossoming Cinematic Instrument

video uploads by Native Instruments

"Meet Lotus, the latest installment in the Scene series – a collection of lightweight, cinematic tools crafted for media composers. Featuring over 100 expressive presets and premium sound sources, Lotus blends lush synth pads, orchestral textures, and traditional Japanese instruments to create evocative soundscapes. From delicate koto plucks to deep, atmospheric drones, it’s designed for effortless sonic storytelling."

Press release follows:

Berlin, February 20, 2024 – Native Instruments today announced Scene: Lotus, a compact and inspiring cinematic instrument. From the breathy shakuhachi and hichiriki to the delicate plucks of the koto, this hybrid scoring palette brings to life timeless instruments from Japan, blending them with orchestral swells and radiant synths. The central XY pad morphs between textures and effects for evolving soundscapes that transition from serene to intense.

With Scene: Lotus, each voice tells a story. Quickly translate from sound to emotion and streamline your scoring process.

Key Features

Hybrid Sound Design — Explore the captivating fusion of authentic Japanese instruments, rich synth pads, and orchestral textures.

Streamlined Interface — Seamlessly blend 16 hybrid sound layers, effects, and controls using the XY pad.

Tuning modes — Stay perfectly in key with an extensive selection of scales and modes.

Versatile palette — Perfect ambiences for film scoring, game soundtracks, or music production.

Designed with media composers in mind, the Scene series offers premium cinematic sounds in a simple and easy-to-use interface. Centered around an XY pad, each instrument comes loaded with carefully-designed presets and streamlined controls, enabling you to quickly blend, layer, and shape the perfect sound for on-screen moments.

Learn more
Get all the details at www.native-instruments.com
Pricing and availability
Scene: Lotus is available for $29 / €29."

Koto Plays Synthesizer World Hits

video upload by KOTO

Cool synth art. Reminds me of the displays on Star Trek.

"Tracklist: https://www.discogs.com/release/13499..."

You can find the release on Amazon and eBay.

Jamuary 10th 2024 "KOTO 80"

video upload by Captain Credible

"#Jamuary 10th 2024 feels like as good an opportunity as any for som slapping koto beats. #KO2 #kotomaybeimnotentirelysure #volcafm #jamuary2024 #dawless"

Akebono - Koto Synthesizer Demo

Published on Jan 30, 2014 Icebreaker Audio·5 videos

"A strangle suitcase instrument from 1980s Japan.
A free Battery Kit containing the percussion sounds is available here: icebreaker-audio.com/freeware/battery-ki­ts/
A Kontakt library containing all of the sounds can be purchased here: http://icebreaker-audio.com/products/..."

You can sometimes find these on eBay.

See the Koto channel below for more.

SUIKO ST20 Vintage Analog Japanese Koto Synthesizer SN 691192

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"SUIKO ST20 Vintage Analog Japanese Koto Synthesizer. Super rare. Condition is "Used", but super clean. The synth faceplate and speaker grill are mint. Free voltage transformer included."

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Koto "Visitors" - Recreation - (Friday Funk Jam)

video by Luke Million

"Another one of my favourite Italo Disco tracks is 'Visitors' by Koto. It's pure spacesynth disco. I've recreated it with an Oberheim DX and a bunch of my favourite synths 🚀🎹🕺

Drums - Oberheim DX
Bass - Roland SH2
Synths - Roland Jupiter 4, SCI Prophet 5, Roland Juno 6, Korg MS20 & Oberheim Ob8"

PlantsSystem-Visions 1/2 2/2

video upload by plantssystem

"Visions 1/2 2/2 were created with Cycling'74 M and SEQUENTIAL Prophet-5.
M runs on a PowerBook G3 and uses the piano and koto sounds from the built-in QuickTime sound source.
Prophet-5 is layered on top of that.
1/2 is Piano & Prophet-5.
2/2 is Koto & Prophet-5.
It is a two-part work.
The Prophet-5 provides a shadowy pad sound on 1/2 and a noise modulation sound on 2/2.
#prophet5 #cycling74"

SUZUKI WARAKU MIDI JAPANESE KOTO SYNTH

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"WARAKU is japanese traditional electronic musical instruments by SUZUKI

WARAKU is ELECTRONIC MUSICAL INSTRUMENT
not ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS

WARAKU was expensive and made limited quantities those days

27 key keyboard
with 5 string bridge
and 4 assignable drum pads
it has 16 sounds(all exotic japanese traditional instruments like koto,shamisen,shakuhachi,weird voice etc)

you can play many exotic percussions by keyboard or assignable drum pad

there are pitch bend lever and vibrate switch,OUTPUT JACK and HEADPHONE OUT and surprisingly it has MIDI OUT

you can play external MIDI module by WARAKU's unique 5 strings or keyboard
size is approx W89cm D17cm H10cm

you can play WARAKU by keyboards or 5 string bridge and 4 assignable drum pads

comes with original hard case and AC adaptor

this is japanese 100V product,so you need voltage transformer to use in your country"

SUZUKI WARAKU KING of JAPANESE KOTO & Drum SYNTH with MIDI

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"SUZUKI WARAKU KING of JAPANESE KOTO & Drum SYNTH with MIDI OUT !!

play with the strings and the keys and the special pitchbend controller!"

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Koto

Koto from mudlogger on Vimeo.