The Niibori Guitar Orchestra is a relative newcomer in the music world. It
is originated by Dr Hiroki Niibori in the nineteen fifties. Traditionally,
group guitar music had always been limited to playing guitars of similar pitch
and tuning. This of course pales in comparison to other instrument types as
shown in the table below:
With the introduction of Niibori guitars such as the Soprano Guitar, Alto Guitar, Guitarron and many more others. Group guitar playing has blossomed into large scale orchestras with the ability to produce exquisite guitar music with tonal and pitch variations which can rival traditional String Orchestras. Since its inception, Niibori Guitar Orchestras have gained much popularity in Japan. Its influence has also reached South East Asia when the Guitar Ensemble of the National University of Singapore got its first Niibori instruments in 1986.
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| Soprano guitar | ||
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| Alto guitar | ||
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| Prime | ||
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| Guitarron |
The Soprano Guitar is tuned 1 octave higher than the Prime Guitar. The guitar produces an elegant sound like that of the grand harp. The unique water drop shaped body of the Soprano makes it stand out in any performance.
The Alto Guitar carries the melody in the Orchestra. It is tuned a 5th higher than the Prime Guitar just like the Alto Cembalo. The short fingerboard allows the player to use small movements to play music in fast tempo.
The Alto Cembalo is tuned a 5th higher than the Prime Guitar, its metal strings creates distinct pristine notes when played. By changing the thickness of strings and position of play, it can even produce the sound of the mandolin and the zither.
The Prime Guitar is the traditional nylon string guitar that most of us normally play. Its soft and mellow sound is used widely in the solo playing of classical music as well as non-classical music such as pop, blues and jazz. In the Niibori Orchestra, the Prime is essential in bringing out the warmth of certain music passages. The tuning of the Prime Guitar is E, B, G, D, A, E.
The Bass Guitar is tuned a 4th lower than the Prime Guitar. Its unique sound reminds one of the swell of the ocean. Recently, concertos using the Bass Guitar as a solo instrument have become very popular in concerts. Many craftsmen are starting to manufacture the Bass Guitar
The Contrabass Guitar is tuned 1 octave lower than the Prime Guitar. The length of its strings is the longest among all the Niibori guitars. The low and powerful sound of the Contrabass bridges those made by the Guitarron and the Bass Guitar.
The Guitarron is tuned 1 octave lower than the Prime Guitar. The strings are very thick, and the body is very big. The sound is unique and so completely unlike the other guitars. It is the most important guitar in a guitar orchestra because the rich and warm sound wraps the whole sound of the guitar orchestra in its deep bosom. Its origin is in South America. The dynamic style of playing attracts people's attention everywhere.
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~ Victor Hugo