Talk:Tonkori

Items for expansion

 * Need to clarify the tuning; I understand it's re-entrant in fifths (all within one octave?), variously described as "F, C, G, D, A" or "a'-d'-g'-c'-f'", but I'm not clear specifically which strings are lower. By nomenclature is " c' " the lowest pitch in the " ' " octave? To avoid this confusion, it'd be good to get a basic diagram of string layout and a musical staff representing the relative pitches.
 * So far as strings, I understand gut was traditional, but I think I read something that some people use modern shamisen silk strings on these currently?
 * There are a number of refs which mention the various roles of the instrument (lullabies, trance, repelling ghosts) so those would be great to add.
 * One ref mentions the tonkori ovasi ("musical instrument demons") but I can't see more in the snippet. Another example?
 * Parallels with the wagon and with Jomon-era zithers?
 * Parallels with the kacapi (not the big zither, the small dulcimer-like ones)?
 * Are tonguri and tongari alternate spellings? The 1969 Asian Review mentions this as a "national instrument" seemingly in the context of the Ainu.

MatthewVanitas (talk) 20:18, 22 May 2012 (UTC)