{"product_id":"suzuki-taishogoto-alto-electric-lap-zither-uni-188","title":"Vintage Suzuki Taishogoto Alto Electric Lap Zither w\/ Original Case – Made in Japan","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a \u003cstrong\u003evintage Suzuki Taishogoto (Alto range)\u003c\/strong\u003e, made in Japan and complete with its original hard case. If you’re not familiar with the taishogoto, it’s a traditional Japanese keyed string instrument — sort of a cross between a lap steel, autoharp, and keyboard — and this example is the \u003cstrong\u003eelectric version\u003c\/strong\u003e, designed to be amplified.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis one is labeled \u003cstrong\u003e“Alto” (アルト)\u003c\/strong\u003e and features numbered key buttons for intuitive playability. The instrument has a single pickup, onboard volume and tone controls, and outputs via standard 1\/4\" jack. Plugged in, it produces a haunting, droning, very expressive tone that works beautifully for ambient music, experimental recordings, film scoring, or traditional Japanese music.\u003c\/p\u003e Condition \u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall \u003cstrong\u003every good vintage condition\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCosmetic wear consistent with age: light scratches, small dings, and finish wear (see photos)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eElectronics are intact and responsive\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eKeys function properly\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginal hard case included (also in good vintage shape)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a fantastic piece for:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eExperimental or ambient musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudio players looking for unusual textures\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCollectors of Japanese instruments\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnyone wanting something genuinely different from the usual guitar\/synth world\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eYou don’t see these come up often, especially complete with the original case.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBin - #2 PA-0\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Suzuki","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54047266668908,"sku":"UNI-188","price":749.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0991\/9378\/2636\/files\/jgc-uni-188-01.jpg?v=1784517881","url":"https:\/\/japaneseguitarcompany.com\/products\/suzuki-taishogoto-alto-electric-lap-zither-uni-188","provider":"Japanese Guitar Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}