Analysis of Japanese Tsuzumi tones

Abstract

Four basic types of tones for the (KO) Tsuzumi (an hourglass‐shaped, wooden Japanese drum about 25 cm high and 10 cm in diameter with small ropes interconnecting the two heads) were analyzed using a Fast‐Fourier Transform computer program. Recordings of the tone were made by Michiko Toyama 1‐29‐18 Hanegi, Setagaya‐Ku, Tokyo, Japan. The tones analyzed are described as follows: (1) “KO,” produced by striking the center of the drum head with two to four fingers of the right hand while the ropes holding the head are at first held loosely and then squeezed quickly. Twelve frequency components have been identified ranging from 254 to 4348 Hz. Maximum intensities cover a range of 35 dB with decay rates from 80 to 597 dB/s. (2) “KU,” produced in a similar manner to the KO tone, but with only one finger. Frequencies are between 311 and 3230 Hz. Intensities cover a range of 25 dB, and decay rates between 98 and 1140 dB/s. (3) “TA” produced by hitting the edge of the head with two fingers while maintaining maximum tension on the ropes. Frequencies are between 311 and 3234 Hz with little or no shift. Intensities cover a range of 38 dB, with decay rates between 96 and 1140 dB/s. (4) “CHI” produced in the same manner as TA, but striking only with the third finger of the right hand. Frequencies of components in this recording lie between 255 and 3465 Hz. Intensities cover a 46‐dB range. Decay rates are between 85 and 1355 dB/s. In both the KO and the KU tones, the most pronounced component is the lowest frequency and has the slowest decay rate. On the TA and CHI tones, however, the lowest frequency components are not the most intense. The most intense component is in the area of 780 Hz with a decay rate about four times as rapid as that of the lowest frequency component.