TAIKO THUNDER Development Blog — Part 4: Metallic Percussion Instruments and Kakegoe Vocal Sound Effects
Our previous blog posts have focused on the taiko instrument functions of TAIKO THUNDER. So, this time let’s look at two other important instrument types in the library: metallic percussion instruments and kakegoe vocal sound effects.
Four dedicated interfaces
In addition to 16 taiko instruments, TAIKO THUNDER comes with three metallic percussion instruments: the chappa, the shoko, and the kagurasuzu. It also has a single instrument interface that consolidates many different kakegoe vocal sound effects.
In the early stages of the library’s development, we briefly considered making a single unified user interface for all instruments, but we quickly realized this wouldn’t work because of how different each instrument is. We changed course and developed a specific UI for each instrument so users can better access and interact with the instrument’s unique functions and playing styles.
In the end, we developed separate 20 nki KONTAKT instruments for TAIKO THUNDER.
- 16 taiko instruments
- Chappa
- Shoko
- Kagurasuzu
- Kakegoe
Although the screen designs and parameters vary between instruments, the key assignments, previously introduced play modes, and other core functions are the same for all instruments. This gives a consistent feel and workflow across the library.
Chappa features
The chappa, which has become an essential part of modern taiko ensembles, consists of two small cymbals that are struck together with both hands. Conceptually, it’s a very simple instrument. It can be, however, a very profound instrument, capable of creating a whole realm of sounds and tonalities by varying the angle and overlap when the cymbals are struck together.
For TAIKO THUNDER, we recorded Ryutaro Kaneko (https://shop.ryu-beat.com/), a taiko percussionist who pioneered many of today’s chappa playing techniques, performing a wide variety of modern chappa articulations, from opening the cymbals to closing them. A large part of developing the Chappa instrument was figuring out how to simplify the input of modern chappa playing styles that involve rapid-fire variations of different articulations.
The taiko instruments have a Standard Mode, where you can access many playing techniques with five keys and MIDI CC messages, and an Advanced Mode, which lays out all articulations on the keyboard. You can switch between the modes to suit your production workflow. The Chappa works in the same way. In Standard Mode, C3 is assigned to closing the cymbals and E3 to opening the cymbals. The Mod Wheel is used to control how the chappa opens in real time.
In both modes, D3 is dedicated to rolls. Note On events trigger descending rolls, and Note Off events trigger ascending rolls. By rotating the Mod Wheel, you can seamlessly move between closed and open rolls. This arrangement lets you enter fast chappa performances just by hitting keys in succession.
Shoko features
The shoko is a percussion instrument played by striking the inside of the gong with a deer-antler-tipped stick called a shumoku. The shoko is widely used in gagaku performances and Buddhist rituals, although each style of music uses a slightly different type of shoko. For TAIKO THUNDER, we sampled the type of shoko that accompanies awaodori dances.
The interface is designed to indicate in real time where the shoko is struck. A function unique to Shoko is articulating the scraping sound of the shumoku at Note Off events. It’s only a tiny element, but this noise adds tremendously to the realism of the instrument.
Kagurasuzu features
The kagurasuzu is a bell tree traditionally held by miko [shrine maidens] when performing kagura dances at Shinto rites. With a single shake, it creates an alluring sound that envelops the listener in an ethereal and mystical aura.
TAIKO THUNDER includes all possible articulations, including vertical shakes, horizontal shakes, twisting shakes, and various rolls. The Mod Wheel adjusts the Bells parameter to increase the number of bells on the bell tree.
The kagurasuzu has 15 bells, arranged in three tiers from the bottom of seven, five, and three bells. The Size parameter lets you double the number of bells that ring to 30.
Kakegoe features
TAIKO THUNDER contains a rich variety of kakegoe calls needed by every ensemble. We recorded three solo male performers, one solo female performer, an ensemble of three male performers, and an ensemble of three male and one female performers. Each grouping includes familiar calls such as Ha!, Yo!, and So~re.
You can create your own tonal variations by adjusting the pitch and speed of each grouping’s kakegoe calls.
Stay tuned for our next post, which will look at the library’s parameters that let you customize the tonality and timbre of each instrument.