Please note that this product is still in development and that the preview information and screenshots on this page are subject to change and do not necessarily reflect the final official release.

The greatest collection of taiko sounds for all creators

The taiko sound has become an invaluable resource for music production and soundtracks the world over. With TAIKO THUNDER, Sonica Instruments is bringing to creators every vibration of the taiko’s world-beating power and expressiveness at a scale never seen before.

Our objective was to develop the greatest taiko library ever, both in terms of quality and quantity. To this end, we carefully sampled some of Japan’s most esteemed taiko performers playing 20 different percussion instruments essential to any taiko ensemble. And to ensure maximum realism, we sampled the sound variations at 19 different hit positions for both the left and right hands.

TAIKO THUNDER eclipses any previous taiko sample libraries, as it features dozens of articulations, seven microphone channels for exceptional mixing versatility, and over 1,000 MIDI grooves taken from live performances by top taiko performers.

Main Features​

  • Includes separate instrument interfaces specifically designed to replicate the behavior of all 16 taiko drums as well as the chappa, shoko, and kagurasuzu percussion instruments and kakegoe calls
  • For taiko drums, reproduces the sound variations at each hit position for both the left and right hands
  • Ensemble function recreates either solo performances or two to four-person ensembles
  • Seven microphone channels in high 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution
  • Built-in Instrument Modeler provides independent left-hand and right-hand control over many head, body, and stick & rim parameters, for complete customization of the taiko’s sonic character
  • Three play modes to choose from to suit your performance / input style
  • Contains 1,600 MIDI grooves played by professional taiko performers that can be dragged directly into your DAW for immediate music production work
  • Designed for live performances with dedicated settings for Roland’s TAIKO-1 and many other MIDI controllers

Pricing TBD

Product Specifications

  • Kontakt Player 6.8.1 or newer
  • Native Access compatible
  • Data size TBD

User manual

Rewriting the book on taiko sample packs

Sonica Instruments released the world’s first realistic taiko sample pack, Japanese Taiko Percussion, back in 2008 to global acclaim. In the 16 years that have followed, we have completely reshaped the library, crafting a brand-new, next-generation product.

We enlisted the finest recording engineers to capture taiko performances by Japan’s elite percussionists in some of the best halls in Japan. The samples were then painstakingly edited by Japanese taiko experts to ensure the library delivers every nuance of the taiko sound, even down to how the drumheads reverberate in the air.

TAIKO THUNDER: The Ultimate Collection is essentially 20 separate titles, as it provides unique instrument interfaces for 16 types of taiko drums as well as the chappa, shoko, and kagurasuzu percussion instruments, kakegoe calls, and other elements essential for a taiko ensemble. The interfaces are designed to be as realistic as possible, with instrument-specific articulations, parameters, graphics, and multiple play modes.

Single-sided taiko instruments

  • Tsukeshime-daiko 1.1
  • Tsukeshime-daiko 1.2
  • Tsukeshime-daiko 1.22
  • Tsukeshime-daiko 1.3
  • Nagado-daiko 1.2
  • Nagado-daiko 1.6
  • Nagado-daiko 2.7
  • Hirado-daiko 2.0
  • Ohhira-daiko 3.3
  • Ohdaiko 3.4
  • Ohdaiko 4.0
  • Okedo Eitetsu 1.8
  • Okedo-daiko 2.8

Double-sided taiko instruments

  • Katsugi Okedo 1.4
  • Katsugi Okedo 1.7
  • Shimeshishi-daiko

Metallic percussion instruments

  • Chappa
  • Shoko
  • Kagurasuzu

Vocal sound effects

  • Kakegoe

あらゆるシチュエーションに対応

Virtuoso Japanese Seriesで培ってきた独自のサウンドモデリング技術をさらに進化させて搭載。アタックの音色を保ったまま自然なチューニングを行えるのはもちろん、アタック成分やボディー成分の音量や音程を個別に調整する等、楽器に合わせた細かなサウンドメイクが可能です。

太鼓の持つ要素を余すことなくキャプチャーするため、サンプルは24bit/96kHzで収録。7種類のマイクポジションと、それらをバランス良くミックスしたStereo Mixの計8本のマルチマイク・チャンネルを用意。マルチマイクを自在にミックス可能です。

屈指の太鼓奏者の演奏をMIDIデータとして収録

太鼓奏者の演奏をそのままMIDI Grooveとして収録。リズムのベーシックに最適な地打ちからソロフレーズ、組み太鼓まで1,000種類以上のパターンを収録。専用のGroove Browserを使用することで簡単に視聴し、ドラッグ&ドロップでDAWソフトに取り込むことができます。

ドラムパッドにも対応した、演奏モード

TAIKO THUNDERには、キースイッチ操作によって片手で太鼓演奏を表現できる「Standard」。すべてのアーティキュレーションが鍵盤に配置され、打ち込みに便利なだけでなく太鼓を演奏しているかのように使用可能な「Advanced」。そしてMIDIドラムパッドに特化した「Pad」の3つの演奏モードを搭載しています。
Padモードでは、汎用MIDIパッドや電子ドラムにも対応可能なほかRoland社の電子和太鼓、TAIKO-1にも最適化。楽曲制作からライブパフォーマンスまで幅広くお使いいただけます。

Customization to suit every situation and instrument variation

TAIKO THUNDER comes with a more advanced version of the unique sound modelling technology developed for our Virtuoso Japanese series titles. This modelling technology enables natural-sounding pitch adjustments as well as adjustments for the hitting position, head tension, bachi thickness, drum body size, and many other parameters, with independent controls for the left and right hands. As a result, we can confidently say this library encompasses every possible taiko sound, allowing you to journey through any sonic landscape you like, from modern taiko ensembles to rare kagura ceremonial dances.

To capture every element of the taiko sound, we recorded all samples in 96 kHz / 24-bit resolution at seven microphone positions, for a total of eight microphone channels including a well-balanced stereo mix. This multi-mic mixing versatility lets you recreate a diversity of sounds and soundstages.

Play modes include support for drum pads

TAIKO THUNDER has three different play modes. The Standard mode lets you play with one hand by manipulating key switches. The Advanced mode arranges all articulations along a keyboard, which not only makes it easier to input beats by hand but also can be used to play like a real taiko. The third Pad mode is specialized for MIDI drum pads.

Pad mode supports generic MIDI pads and electronic drums. It is also optimized for TAIKO-1, Roland’s electronic taiko instrument. The TAIKO-1 is a versatile instrument equally adept for music production and live performances.

Unparalleled recording sessions captured legendary taiko sounds exactly as they are

The mission of the Virtuoso Japanese Series concept is to bring the authentic sounds of Japanese instruments to sound creators the world over. TAIKO THUNDER: The Ultimate Collection carries on this mission.

Because the most important process in creating a sample library is, of course, capturing the samples, we obsessed over every detail of the sampling process. For example, we worked with The Asano Foundation for Taiko Culture Research, a taiko producer located in Ishikawa Prefecture with a history dating back more than 400 years. With their assistance, we arranged perfectly set-up taiko instruments in an Ishikawa hall known for its acoustics. Then, with a world-class recording engineer at the controls and elite taiko performers who know the instruments inside and out, we painstakingly recorded every individual hit contained in the library.

To record every part of the taiko’s massive sound image and complex resonances, we used multiple close mics, overhead mics, and mics positioned to capture the sounds in front of the stage, behind the stage, and the hall’s overall ambience. The mic signals were ultimately fed to seven channel faders and recorded. The result is a perfect reproduction of the instruments’ soundscape and atmosphere. And having multiple mic channels provides the flexibility to modify the soundscape and atmosphere how ever you like to get your desired sound.

  • Taiko performers: Ryutaro Kaneko, Machiko Asano, Kan Hayashi, Jun Takada
  • Instruments provided by Asano Taiko
  • Recorded in the Crane Hall in Hakusan, Ishikawa
  • Recording engineer: Masahito Tobisawa
  • Other equipment provided by Media Integration, Inc.
  • Overall production and direction: Tomohiro Harada, Sonica Instruments

太鼓

打面位置まで完全再現

突き抜けるような高音が魅力の締太鼓、お祭りや祭事でお馴染みの長胴太鼓、現代の太鼓パフォーマンスに欠かせないかつぎ桶胴太鼓、まるで雷撃のような大太鼓まで16種類の太鼓を収録。

最大で130にも及ぶベロシティレイヤー(両手合計)によって、太鼓の持つ広大なダイナミクスを余すことなく実現すると同時に、連打時にも極めて自然なサウンド変化を可能にしました。

 

太鼓は通常、最も大きな音が鳴る中心付近を演奏しますが、演奏の中では打つ場所を変えることで音色や音量に変化を与えています。

TAIKO THUNDERでは、左手9ポジション右手10ポジションの鳴らし分けを実現。打点位置は鍵盤やMIDIコントローラーを使うことで、感覚的かつリアルタイムに変化させることができます。

加えてツケ(バチを打面につけて止める)やフチ(リム)、リムショット、雪ばいといった様々な奏法や、発音中に止める(チョーク)、打面を抑えながら打つ(ミュート)といった演奏表現も再現します。

金物パーカッション

現代のチャッパ奏法に対応

太鼓パフォーマンスで欠かせないチャッパ(手拍子)。2枚の鉦をどのように打ち合わせるのかによってサウンドが変化する、非常に複雑で奥の深い楽器です。
TAIKO THUNDERでは、現代に広く普及しているチャッパ奏法を開発・体系化した和太鼓奏者、金子竜太郎氏による演奏をサンプリング。クローズからオープンまで32種類にも及ぶアーティキュレーションと独自の演奏エンジンを組み合わせることで、チャッパの持つ柔軟で繊細な表現をソフトウェア音源で実現します。

鉦鼓

阿波踊りで用いられる、持ち手の付いた鉦鼓(かね)を丁寧にサンプリングしました。叩く場所によるサウンド変化も、アーティキュレーションとして忠実に再現しています。

神楽鈴

神楽舞や能楽、歌舞伎などで使用される神楽鈴を丁寧にサンプリング。左右の捻りや振り下ろし/上げなど、振り方によるサウンド変化も表現することができます。

かけ声

6スタイルのかけ声を収録

太鼓演奏に無くてはならない、奏者の掛け声も収録。ハッ、ヨッ、セイヤッ、ワッショイ、ソーレなどお馴染みの掛け声を、男性ソロ(3人)、女性ソロ(1人)、男性アンサンブル、男女アンサンブルで収録しました。

Library Details

Articulations

Taiko

  • Hits (19 positions)
  • Tsuke&Drag1
  • Tsuke&Drag2
  • Open Rim
  • Yukibai
  • Flam
  • Buzz
  • Fuchi Tip
  • Fuchi Inside
  • Bamboo Hit (*)
  • Bamboo Drag (*)
  • Rivet Roll 1 (*)
  • Rivet Roll 2 (*)
  • Stick

*Selected drums only

Chappa

  • Jee ra
  • Jee
  • Jan (five types)
  • Chan (two types)
  • Chin (two types)
  • Chi (two types)
  • Ka (two types)
  • Ko (two types)
  • Ke
  • Ki
  • Ku
  • Po (two types)
  • Variable Hit
  • Double Stroke (two types)
  • Open Roll
  • Half Open Roll
  • Close Roll
  • Open
  • Open
  • Rub (eight types)

Shoko

  • Center Open
  • Center Mute
  • Inside L
  • Inside R
  • Inside L Stop
  • Inside R Stop
  • Fuchi R
  • InsideL Noise1
  • InsideL Noise2
  • InsideR Noise1
  • InsideR Noise2

Kagurasuzu

  • Twist to Left
  • Twist to Right
  • Shake Down
  • Shake Up1
  • Shake Up2
  • Alternate Hit
  • Turn Hit
  • Strike Hand
  • Roll Short
  • Roll Long
  • Cresc. Roll1
  • Cresc. Roll2
  • Cresc. Roll3
  • Cresc. Roll Short

Instruments

Tsukeshime-daiko (four sizes)

TT_TST

The tsukeshime-daiko consists of two heads skins stretched over steel rings that are bound together and tensioned with cords or bolts.

The drum is distinctive for its gorgeous sharp, high-pitched sound. Its pitch can be tuned by adjusting the binding tension. The tsukeshime-daiko plays a central role in an ensemble, as its powerful sound is ideal for setting the rhythm and tempo of a piece and maintaining the rhythmic feel.

The head skins vary in thickness and are measured in units called cho-gake. The thinnest skin is about 11 mm (one cho-gake, also called namitsuke) and skins go up in thickness from two cho-gake (~19 mm) to five cho-gake (~29 mm). The thicker the skin, the harder and stiffer the drum’s sound and response.

The library includes four tsukeshime-daiko sizes: 33 cm (1 shaku 1 sun in traditional units), 36 cm (1 shaku 2 sun), 36.6 cm (1 shaku 2 sun 2 bu), and 39 cm (1 shaku 3 sun). The audio sample features the Tsukeshime-daiko 1.2.

Nagado-daiko (three sizes)

TT_NDT

Literally meaning “long barrel”, the nagado-daiko is easy to recognize because the drum body is longer than the drumhead diameter. Frequently seen on stages, at bon dances, and many other settings, the nagado-daiko is what many people imagine when they think of taiko instruments. It is also called miya-daiko [Shinto shrine drum] because it’s often used at Shinto shrines and other religious events.

The nagado-daiko is made by hollowing out a single piece of wood so the sound will resonate inside the body, creating its distinctive deep and booming tone.

The drum’s sound varies considerably depending on where the drumhead is struck, allowing for a variety of tonal expressions with just a single drum by combining various drum strokes.

The library includes three nagado-daiko sizes: 36 cm (1 shaku 2 sun in traditional units), 48 cm (1 shaku 6 sun), and 81 cm (2 shaku 7 sun). The audio sample features the Nagado-daiko 2.7.

Hirado-daiko

TT_OHRT

The hirado-daiko [literally “flat-bodied drum”] has a short, flat body compared to the size of the drumhead.

Because the materials and construction are the same as the nagado-daiko, the hirado-daiko has a similar pronounced bass tone. Its shorter body, however, lends it a unique sharp, yet deep, sound with shorter reverberations than its longer cousin.

The hirado-daiko can be played set on a frame or suspended from a stand.

Hirado-daiko 2.0 has a diameter of about 60 cm (2 shaku in traditional units).

Ohhira-daiko

TT_HDT

Hirado-daiko with a body diameter of more than 90 cm (3 shaku) are generally called ohhira-daiko.

The ohhira-daiko is used in a wide range of situations, from solo performances to ensembles, and it often becomes a stage symbol because of its dominant sound and presence.

Its large diameter gives it a superior low-frequency range, and only the ohhira-daiko can produce deep tones that fill an entire space. There are several ways to hit the drum, including striking it from the front when it is placed vertically or striking it from above when placed face down.

Hirado-daiko with a body diameter of more than 90 cm (3 shaku) are generally called ohhira-daiko.

Ohhira-daiko 3.3 has a diameter of about 99 cm (3 shaku 3 sun in traditional units).

Ohdaiko (two sizes)

TT_OHT

Nagado-daiko with a body diameter of more than 90 cm (3 shaku) are generally called ohdaiko.

The ohdaiko is used in a wide range of situations, from solo performances to ensembles, and it often becomes a stage symbol because of its dominant sound and presence.

Its large diameter gives it a superior low-frequency range, and only the ohdaiko can produce deep tones that fill an entire space. The tone changes substantially depending on where the drum is struck, which together with its dynamics, allows for tremendous expressive power. Because of these factors, the player must have a high level of technical skill and expressiveness to play the ohdaiko well.

The library includes two ohdaiko sizes: 102 cm (3 shaku 4 sun in traditional units) and 120 cm (4 shaku). The audio sample features the Ohdaiko 4.0.

Okedo-daiko

TT_OKD

The okedo-daiko is made of long, slender planks of wood joined together like a tub. The body and drumheads are fastened together with cords, and the drum’s pitch can be tuned by adjusting the tension of the cords.

In addition to the wide range of sounds available through different tunings, the okedo-daiko offers a high degree of flexibility in sounds and performance styles, through such innovations as combining various sizes of drums.

Okedo-daiko 2.8 has a diameter of about 84 cm (2 shaku 8 sun in traditional units) and a body length of about 90 cm (5 shaku).

Katsugi Okedo (two sizes)

The katsugi okedo-daiko is a okedo-daiko played while wearing a shoulder strap.

Because the performer can move around freely while playing, the katsugi okedo-daiko is an essential drum for the modern stage, given its superior performance and visual impact. Many performing groups today incorporate the katsugi okedo-daiko into their music.

Unique to the katsugi okedo-daiko is particular technique, called ryomen-uchi, in which the drummer shifts the position of the drum while playing and strikes both drumheads with two bachi.

The library includes two katsugi okedo sizes: 42 cm (1 shaku 4 sun in traditional units) and 51 cm (1 shaku 7 sun). The audio sample features the Katsugi Okedo 1.7.

Okedo Eitetsu

Eitetsu Hayashi, who participated in the founding of the taiko groups Ondekoza and Kodo, both from Sado Island, and who pioneered new possibilities for Japanese percussion, conceived of the okedo eitetsu-daiko.

A revamping of the okedo-daiko for stage performances, the okedo eitetsu-daiko is characterized by a smaller ratio between the drumhead diameter and the body length compared to a regular okedo-daiko. The drum’s tuning can be changed by adjusting the tension of the cords.

Okedo Eitetsu 1.8 has a diameter of about 54 cm (1 shaku 8 sun in traditional units).

Shimeshishi-daiko

TT_KOKD

The shimeshishi-daiko emerged from the stage of the taiko group Kodo as an extension of the tsukeshime-daiko. Its biggest distinction is the use of different leathers on each side: one side is cowhide and the other is horsehide.

It is an idiosyncratic instrument with a piercing, dry sound full of presence that makes it stand out even in a massive ensemble.

Chappa

The chappa is a pair of small handheld metallic cymbals played by striking them together. It is used as a rhythmic instrument accompanying taiko performances and in folk music. It is sometimes called a hand clapper or copper clapper.

The chappa allows for a variety of tonal expressions by controlling the strike location and intensity. In addition to open and closed sounds, the cymbals can be rubbed or clashed together for a lingering reverberant sound. The chappa was originally only an accompanying instrument, but in recent years modern playing styles have been devised and solo chappa performances are on the rise.

Shoko

The shoko is a gong held in the left hand and stroked with the right hand using a bachi called a shumoku, which has a deer horn tip.

Although the shoko is used in gagaku and Buddhist rituals, this library includes a shoko variant attached to a frame with a handle that is used as a rhythmic instrument in awa odori dances.

It has the hard, sharp tone characteristic of metallic instruments, which is ideal for setting rhythmic tempos and leading an ensemble.

Kagurasuzu

The kagurasuzu is a bell tree traditionally held by miko [shrine maidens] when performing kagura dances at Shinto rites. It is also used in Noh and Kabuki plays. It is sometimes called a sanbansosuzu because it is used in by the Sanbanso character in the Noh play Okina.

The kagurasuzu has 15 bells, organized in three tiers from the bottom of seven, five, and three bells, and has a woven handle at the end. The bells are sounded by shaking the arm or twisting the wrist.

Kakegoe

An integral part of any taiko ensemble are the performers’ kakegoe calls. The library contains such familiar calls as “Hai” and “So~re”.
In addition to Male 1, Male 2, Male 3, and Female solo kakegoe calls, the library features Three Male and Three Male + Female combo kakegoe calls. Use these to add color to any musical piece.

鉦鼓(かね)

左手に楽器を持ち、右手で撞木(しゅもく)と呼ばれる先端に鹿の角を付けたバチで内側を擦るように演奏するのが鉦鼓(しょうこ)です。
雅楽や仏教などでも用いられますが、本ライブラリでは持ち手のついた枠に取り付けた阿波踊りの鳴り物として使われる鉦(かね)を収録しました。
金属楽器特有の硬質で鋭い音色が特徴で、リズムに緩急をつけ、アンサンブルを先導していくのに最適です。

神楽鈴

神事で巫女が神楽舞を舞う時に手に持つのが神楽鈴(かぐらすず)で、能や歌舞伎でも用いられており、能楽の演目「翁」の「三番叟」で使われることから三番叟鈴(さんばんそうすず)とも呼ばれます。
下から7つ、5つ、3つの合計15個の鈴を綴り持ち手をつけた構造で、腕を振り下ろしてたり手首をひねることで音を鳴らします。

システム要件

対応製品Kontakt Player 6.8以降
データ容量NCW xxx GB(WAV 約xxxx GB相当)
システム要件Kontakt Playerの最新の対応状況はNative Instruments社のWEBサイトをご覧ください
ユーザーマニュアルユーザーマニュアル(PDF)を見る

Performers

Ryutaro Kaneko (taiko and chappa)

Ryutaro was an active member of the Kodo taiko troupe for two decades starting in 1987. In addition to performing, he composed and arranged music for the ensemble and served as a music director (including “Amaterasu” featuring Tamasaburo Bando).

Ryutaro pioneered modern chappa playing techniques in 1988 and was one of the progenitors of the katsugi okedo taiko’s rise in popularity. Since leaving Kodo in 2007 and becoming a solo artist, he has performed in 43 countries on six continents and taken part in numerous recording sessions worldwide across many different genres.

He has taught his unique “relaxed” drumming posture and technique all over the world to more than 10,000 people, from novices to professionals. He is the only outside instructor at the Kodo Apprentice Centre, where he teaches physical techniques and taiko drumming.

Machiko Asano

Machiko grew up surrounded by taiko instruments, as she was born into a renowned taiko producer that has been making taiko instruments for more than 400 years. After completing the Percussion Instruments Course at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, she embarked on a career as a professional taiko performer.

Since 1999, she has appeared on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen as a member of the Takio Ito & the Takio Band. She has built up an impressive track record in the music industry, including composing and performing taiko music for the Kansai Yamamoto-produced “Abordage” and “Taiyo no Fune” stage shows and conducting performances by 300 taiko performers.

In 2008, Machiko became a taiko instructor with the aim of bringing vitality to as many people as possible through the taiko. Her taiko performances are highly regarded for her ability to express a sense of feminine delicate beauty and inner emotions. She continues to communicate the appeal of the taiko to the next generation through her activities with Hono-o-daiko, an all-female taiko ensemble that she joined in 2014.

Kan Hayashi

Kan picked up the taiko in his childhood and was involved with the Ryuko Gakusha workshop in Gujo Hachiman, Gifu from 2004 to early 2006.

In 2010, he released his first solo album molecule. In 2012, he launched his personal projects sixthsense and uneri. He contributed to the soundtrack for an NHK special broadcast on New Year’s Day in 2015 and was one of the founding members of the TRIPLEBOZE percussion trio in 2016. In 2017 and 2021, he performed with Junko Yagami’s Yagamatsuri.

In addition to performing solo and collaboratively, Kan is involved in numerous activities including composing music and holding studio workshops. He is a director of Minna no Dengei, a member of the Japan Folk Performing Arts Association, and representative of the Shimotaka Wadaiko Club. He also serves as a part-time lecturer at Uekusa Gakuen University.

https://www.hayashikan.jp/

Asano Taiko

TT_image1

Asano Taiko is a manufacturer specializing in taiko instruments that was founded in the early Edo period in 1609. Remaining true to the traditions and practices that have been handed down for over 400 years, the company is committed to carrying on the sound and culture of taiko instruments for another 100 or 200 years into the future.

https://www.asano.jp/

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