[2023] Recommended Popular Tuners for Shakuhachi and Koto

Recommended Tuners for Shakuhachi, Koto, and Other Japanese Instruments

Traditional Japanese musical instruments, especially the shakuhachi, are very difficult to keep in tune. Since the shakuhachi is made of bamboo, its pitch tends to go sharp as the bamboo warms up during playing. On the other hand, stringed instruments such as koto and shamisen are affected by the heat from the performance and stage lighting, which tends to loosen the strings and make the pitch go flat. When playing in an ensemble with these instruments, both players must be very careful about changes in pitch. Here are some popular tuners recommended for such troubled Japanese instrument players.

― Classic ―

KORG / OT-120

This is an authentic tuner that is sure to satisfy professional musicians, tuners, and shakuhachi wind instrument makers. Because it’s designed for orchestral wind instruments, its accuracy and functionality are unsurpassed. The analog needle type is the best for checking subtle changes in pitch. Recommended for shakuhachi, koto, shamisen, shinobue, and others.

KORG / TM-60-BK Tuner Metronome

Chromatic tuner for wind instruments. Lightweight, thin, and compact body for easy portability with a large, highly visible display. For koto and shamisen, an optional clip-on contact microphone can be used even in noisy surroundings. The clip cannot be attached to the shakuhachi due to its small diameter, but the built-in high-performance microphone can sense the pitch really well.

＜Tidbit 1＞

Most modern shakuhachi are tuned to A = 442 Hz, but many old shakuhachi made in the Taisho and early Showa periods are tuned lower to pitches like 430 Hz to 438 Hz.

― Standard ―

BOSS / TU-30

Stylish card type. LCD meter. The metronome function comes in handy when practicing. There’s a useful guide function that beeps when the tuning is correct.

KORG / CA-2 Chromatic Tuner

Rounded design that is easy to pick up. The subdued coloring is perfect for Japanese instruments.

＜Tidbit 2＞

This product is standard when it comes to koto tuning flutes. Some people still use it today.↓

SUZUKI / Tuning Flute for Koto

SUZUKI / Tuner for Taisho harp ST-300s

Tuner for Taisho harp. It is a type of tuner that is placed directly on the top board of the Taisho koto. It has a nice Japanese look to it.

― Unique ―

KORG / AW-LT100M Clip Tuner for Orchestral Instruments

This clip tuner is a standard item for guitar and bass players. It can also be used for shakuhachi!

PETERSON / STROBO PLUS HDC

Strobe tuner with metronome function. The color display is easy to read and allows highly accurate tuning in increments of 0.1 cent.

＜Tidbit 3＞

I once saw a shakuhachi player who attached a sticker-type thermometer to his shakuhachi tuner. It may be useful to determine the pitch tendency of your shakuhachi by checking the temperature and pitch at the same time.