What is a Monochord?

Initially the monochord was just a single stringed instrument used by Pythagoras to demonstrate the mathematical ratios between musical intervals.  Expanded versions of this concept means you have multiple strings tuned in unison sometimes including the 5th note of the scale and octaves.  The strummed strings are amplified by a sound box made of a quality hard and tone woods.  The instrument provides a meditative environmental sound attractive to music therapists and sound healers.

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How do you play the monochord?

Drag your index finger across the strings towards you from high note to low.  Alternate hands to create an almost continuous sound. Having some fingernail helps but you can use a pick or a bare finger for a softer quieter tone.  You can alter the tonal quality by playing closer to the bridges or starting and finishing in different locations on the string band. 

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Construction

My 25 string Monochords have either Walnut or Cherry back and sides with Redwood, Cedar or Spruce soundboards and Maple pin blocks. I can build them with more decorative woods on the sides much like my bowed psalteries. I usually have monochords in C but can build instruments with the tunings of D,F or G as well. My standard is a monochord with octaves and fifth intervals creating a chord like sound but some people prefer that all the strings be tuned to one pitch with a few of the outside strings being an octave lower.  You get some variety in audible overtones by where you strum the monochord with this type of tuning. Let me know if that option is something you'd like.  I can build custom instruments as well, just contact me with your ideas.

Small Overtone Bridges

I also offer the instrument with 5 individual moveable small bridges which will give you either a Major or Minor Pentatonic Scale.  For example 5 notes added to a C chord gives you D4,E4,G4,A4 and C5; the major pentatonic scale or Eb4. F4. G4. Bb4 and C5; the Minor version. This option reduces the number of strummed courses to 20 but gives you more melodic choices. If you order one with the small bridges it can be returned to the base tuning but it involves changes in string gauges and string gauge distribution so there is some expense and a little time. It’s not that difficult to do but you aren’t going to be switching back and forth. I try to have some completed instruments available.  Check my current stock page.

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• C Tuning Options:  C4,G3,C3,G2,C2 or C3,C2

• D Tuning Options: D4,A3,D3,A2,D2 or D3,D2

• F Tuning Options:  F4,C4,F3,C3,F2 or F3,F2

• G Tuning Options: G4,D4,G3,D3,G2 or G3,G2

• Dimensions: 32 1/2" x 9" x 4" body depth (A Monochord in F or G is  2" shorter)

• Weight: approx. 7 1/2 lbs

• Included with the instrument is an Owner's Sheet, a pick and a small gooseneck tuning wrench

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Base Price - $475 plus shipping

 

Options

• A Spruce sound board adds $25

• Decorative wood on the sides (like Curly Maple or exotic woods) adds $50

• 5 small overtone bridges adds $100

• A soft case in black adds $45

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