35 Facts About Unusual Musical Instruments

The Oldest Known Musical Instruments

Musical instruments have been around for thousands of years. Some of the earliest ones discovered give us a glimpse into ancient cultures and their love for music.

1. The oldest known musical instruments date back to around 50,000 years ago. The Neanderthal Flute, made from cave bear bones, was discovered in Slovenia in 1995 and is believed to be at least 50,000 years old.

Wind Instruments with Unique Sounds

Wind instruments have always fascinated people with their ability to produce a wide range of sounds. Some of these instruments are truly unique in their design and sound.

2. The didgeridoo, a traditional wind instrument of the Indigenous Australians, is made from a hollowed-out tree trunk. Its distinct sound and unique playing technique, involving circular breathing, have mesmerized listeners for centuries.

3. Invented by Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in the 1840s, the saxophone has found its place in various music genres, from jazz to classical. Its expressive and soulful sound has made it a staple in many musical ensembles.

4. Believed to be one of the oldest known wind instruments, the flute has a history that dates back to ancient civilizations. Its enchanting and delicate sound has made it a popular instrument in orchestras and solo performances.

String Instruments with Rich Histories

String instruments have a rich history and are known for their ability to convey deep emotions through their sounds.

5. One of the oldest string instruments, the harp has a history that can be traced back to ancient civilizations. Its heavenly tones and graceful appearance have captivated audiences for centuries.

6. Known for its deep and rich tones, the cello is often referred to as the instrument that most closely resembles the human voice. Its expressive range and emotional quality have made it a favorite in classical music, chamber ensembles, and orchestras.

7. The guitar, one of the most popular musical instruments in the world, has captured the hearts of millions of music enthusiasts worldwide. Whether it’s the melodic strumming of an acoustic guitar or the electrifying solos of a rock star, this instrument has become a symbol of creativity and self-expression.

8. The nyckelharpa, a traditional Swedish instrument, has a history dating back 600 years. The modern variation has 16 strings and 37 keys that slide underneath them to create notes, acting like frets on a guitar.

Percussion Instruments with Unique Features

Percussion instruments are known for their rhythmic beats and ability to add depth to music. Some of these instruments have unique features that set them apart.

9. With a history dating back thousands of years, drums hold the title of being the oldest known musical instruments. From tribal rituals to modern rock concerts, the rhythmic beats of drums have been an integral part of human culture and music.

10. The tambourine is a percussion instrument known for its rhythmic sound. It is often used in various music genres, including rock, pop, and traditional music.

Electronic and Experimental Instruments

The world of electronic and experimental instruments is filled with innovation and creativity. These instruments push the boundaries of what is possible in music.

11. One of the earliest electronic instruments, the theremin has two metal antennas that can sense the positions of the player’s hands, which control the volume and pitch of the instrument.

12. The Chapman Stick is an electric stringed instrument played by tapping on the strings with both hands. Devised by Emmett Chapman in the early 1970s, it usually has ten or twelve individually tuned strings.

13. The Yaybahar is a new electric-free, totally acoustic instrument. The vibrations from the strings are transmitted via the coiled springs to the frame drums. These vibrations are turned into sound by the membranes which echo back and forth on the coiled springs.

14. The wheelharp is known to produce the rich sounds of many stringed instruments at once. It is basically a keyboard that controls 61 bowed strings, allowing a single musician to sound like an actual orchestra.

15. The Sharpsichord is a solar-powered musical instrument. While specific details about its design and playing technique are not widely available, it represents an innovative approach to creating music using renewable energy sources.

Instruments with Cultural Significance

Many musical instruments hold cultural significance and are deeply rooted in the traditions of the regions they come from.

16. The accordion, with its unique sound and portable design, has found its way into various music genres around the world. Its ability to create vibrant and lively melodies has made it a beloved instrument in folk, jazz, and popular music.

17. The cimbalom, of Hungarian descent, belongs to the Dulcimer family. It is played with two beaters that strike the strings to create notes. The cimbalom is known for its rich, resonant sound and is often used in traditional Hungarian music.

18. The contrabass balalaika, the largest instrument in the Balalaika family, is comparable to an upright bass. It is typically played with a large leather pick to produce a clearer sound quality.

19. The crwth, an archaic Welsh instrument, is comparable to a violin and is played with a bow. Only four original crwths exist, but there are several modern variations.

20. The toha, also called the Totem Harp, was created by composer Victor Gama. Inspired by the nests of an extinct species of Angolan birds, the toha is played by two musicians at once.

Instruments with Unique Designs

Some musical instruments stand out because of their unique designs, which often contribute to their distinctive sounds.

21. The glass armonica consists of a series of glass bowls in different sizes, and the sound is produced by the player rubbing their fingers over the glass. This unique instrument is the brainchild of Benjamin Franklin.

22. The hang, made of two sheets of steel, has various dents hammered into it which produce specific notes when tapped by the player.

23. The hydraulophone, similar to an organ, uses a constant stream of water, in conjunction with the player’s hands, to make notes.

24. The stylophone, invented in 1967 by Brian Jarvis, is a miniature analog stylus-operated keyboard. The metal keyboard is played by touching it with a stylus to create each note.

25. The Pikasso Guitar, built by master luthier Linda Manzer, was made specifically for Pat Metheny. This guitar has 42 strings, 4 necks, and 2 sound holes.

26. The Wintergatan Marble Machine is a hand-cranked music box loaded with instruments including a circuit of 2,000 cascading steel marbles. As the device cycles, it activates a vibraphone, bass, kick drum, cymbal, and other instruments.

Instruments in Modern Music

Despite their ancient origins, some unusual musical instruments have found their way into modern music, adding unique sounds to contemporary compositions.

27. The nyckelharpa, despite its ancient origins, has found its way into modern music. Its unique sound and playing technique have made it a staple in many contemporary music settings, particularly in the realm of folk and experimental sounds.

28. The glass armonica, once a rare and exotic instrument, has found its way into modern music. Its ethereal and haunting sound has made it a favorite among electronic and experimental musicians.

29. The theremin, one of the earliest electronic instruments, continues to be used in modern music. Its unique sound and playing technique have made it a staple in many electronic and experimental music settings.

30. The ocarina, a small, flute-like instrument, is often used in traditional music and has been featured in various video games, including the Legend of Zelda series.

31. The dulcimer is a stringed instrument known for its sweet, gentle sound. It is often used in traditional music and has been featured in various video games, including the Legend of Zelda series.

Instruments with Unique Playing Techniques

Some musical instruments require unique playing techniques, making them fascinating to both play and listen to.

32. The trumpet, known as the “King of Brass,” has earned its title due to its powerful sound and commanding presence. Its bright and energetic tones have made it a staple in various musical genres.

33. The violin, often referred to as the “instrument of love,” has an enchanting sound that has earned it a special place in classical music. Its ability to convey emotions and create beautiful melodies has made it a favorite among classical musicians.

34. The piano, a majestic instrument known for its impressive range of 88 keys, offers infinite possibilities for composers, musicians, and performers.

35. The cello, known for its deep and rich tones, is often referred to as the instrument that most closely resembles the human voice. Its expressive range and emotional quality have made it a favorite in classical music, chamber ensembles, and orchestras.

The Ever-Evolving World of Musical Instruments

Musical instruments have always been a key part of human culture. From ancient flutes to modern synthesizers, each one tells a unique story. Instruments like the didgeridoo, theremin, and glass armonica show the creativity and innovation in music. They offer sounds that are both unique and captivating. The nyckelharpa and cimbalom bring traditional music to life, while the Chapman Stick and Yaybahar push the boundaries of what's possible. Understanding these instruments deepens our appreciation for music. They aren't just tools; they're vessels of human emotion and creativity. As new instruments are invented, the world of music continues to grow richer and more diverse. Whether you're a musician or just love music, knowing about these unusual instruments can open up a whole new world of sound and expression.