Single-fret Hanago makes a play for future tunesmiths

A new 16-string, single-fret acoustic instrument called Hanago has launched on Kickstarter. It’s designed to combine the best aspects of the piano and guitar to make learning to play easy, while also building a foundation in music theory.

Hanago is already on sale in South Korea through music brand Koaura and to string pickers in the US through Kickstarter. Rocking his hammered dulcimer or zither vibes, this instrument is held like a smartphone, plucking the strings with your thumb, resting it on your lap and playing with one hand while the other hand rests on top or sideways. You can put it down and strum it like a guitar. Although it is not stated in the product description, it seems that it can also be played with a dulcimer hammer.

It is aimed at people who want to play music but are confused by the complexity of playing it on a piano or guitar. His 16 guitar strings at the top are tuned to the notes of a piano keyboard, from G3 to C4 and across octaves to A5. This should be as easy to learn as ‘Do-Re-Mi’ while still providing familiarity for the seasoned keyboard he wizard looking for something a little different.

Money

Like a single-fret guitar, the Hanago has a “bridge” at the bottom with tuners, a fret arc at the top, and a short gap to the nut. A black dot is placed at a specific position in the gap, and pressing down on the string at this point will play a semitone. Simple chords are formed by striking three or four strings simultaneously, and melodies are formed by fingerpicking individual or joined strings.

Built with a beechwood core and mahogany base, the instrument can be played acoustically but is fitted with a piezo pickup along with an instrument output jack for amplified tones. The picking hand is raised above the wrist strings by a safety cover, and the strings can be tuned using a regular clip-on guitar tuner and the included hex wrench for comfort (and to avoid accidental muting). increase. A fabric pouch for protection during transport in a backpack.

Hanako measures 13.38 x 8.26 inches (34 x 21 cm) and weighs 1.43 pounds (648.6 g). Kickstarter pledges currently start at $99 USD, saving 34% off the expected retail price. The usual crowdfunding caveats apply, but if all goes according to plan with the already-funded campaign, shipments are expected to begin in June. There are more videos below.

Source: Koala