“Discovering Unique and Unusual Musical Instruments from Around the World”

Music has the incredible ability to transcend boundaries, evoke emotions, and tell stories in a way that words alone cannot. While many of us are familiar with popular instruments like the guitar, piano, or drums, there are countless other musical instruments from around the world that are much less known but equally fascinating. These unique instruments often have rich histories, cultural significance, and distinctive sounds that make them stand out from the traditional ones we’re accustomed to. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most unique musical instruments you’ve likely never heard of, offering a glimpse into the diversity of sound that exists in the world of music.

1. The Glass Armonica

Origin: Invented by Benjamin Franklin in 1761, the Glass Armonica, also known as the Glass Harmonica, is a musical instrument played by rubbing the rims of glasses filled with water. The glasses are arranged in order of pitch, similar to a keyboard, and produce ethereal, haunting tones when the player’s fingers gently touch the edges.

Unique Feature: Its sound is soft, delicate, and bell-like, often compared to the sound of a choir of angels. This instrument was once extremely popular in Europe and America, but its use waned due to superstitions about its supposed mystical properties.

2. The Hang Drum

Origin: The Hang drum, sometimes called a “hang,” is a Swiss-made instrument that was developed in the early 2000s by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer of PANArt. Its shape resembles a UFO with a central “note” area and several raised “dimples” around it. The Hang drum is played with the hands and fingers, creating resonant, melodic tones.

Unique Feature: What sets the Hang apart is its serene, melodic sound that’s often described as a combination of steel drum, handpan, and gong. Its intuitive playing style makes it accessible to beginners and experts alike, and its mellow tones have become popular in world music, meditation, and modern sound therapy.

3. The Nyckelharpa

Origin: The Nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish stringed instrument that dates back to the 14th century. It has 16 strings, and unlike a violin or viola, it is played with a bow that is used to vibrate the strings while the player presses keys to alter the pitch.

Unique Feature: The Nyckelharpa’s most distinctive feature is its array of keys, which are used to change the pitch of the strings, offering a unique playing technique. The instrument produces a rich, resonant sound, often used in Swedish folk music, and is known for its complex, yet beautiful sound texture.

4. The Ondes Martenot

Origin: The Ondes Martenot is one of the earliest electronic instruments, invented in 1928 by French musician Maurice Martenot. It is often described as the precursor to the theremin and is played by manipulating a metal ring attached to a string, along with a keyboard-like interface.

Unique Feature: The Ondes Martenot is known for its eerie, wavering tones that resemble a theremin but with greater expressiveness. It was famously used in the music of composers like Olivier Messiaen and has been featured in films such as The Lion King for its haunting sound.

5. The Shamisen

Origin: The Shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument that has been around for centuries. It has a long neck and a drum-like body, with no frets. The strings are plucked with a large plectrum called a “bachi.”

Unique Feature: The Shamisen has a distinctive sound that’s bright and percussive, and it’s often associated with Japanese classical music, theatre, and folk songs. Its unique tuning and playing technique give it an unmistakable voice, and it is crucial in performance styles such as Kabuki theatre and Bunraku puppet shows.

6. The Didgeridoo

Origin: The Didgeridoo is an ancient wind instrument from Australia, traditionally used by the Indigenous Australian peoples of the Northern Territory. It is made from a hollowed-out tree branch or trunk, usually eucalyptus, and produces a deep, resonant drone.

Unique Feature: The Didgeridoo’s sound is almost hypnotic, with a constant drone that can vary in pitch and volume. It is often played using a unique technique called “circular breathing,” where the player inhales through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out through the mouth, allowing them to create continuous sound. The Didgeridoo has found a place in modern music, both in indigenous ceremonies and contemporary performances.

7. The Theremin

Origin: Invented by Russian scientist Léon Theremin in 1920, the theremin is one of the first electronic musical instruments. It is played by moving the hands near two metal antennas: one for pitch and one for volume.

Unique Feature: What makes the theremin stand out is its ability to be played without physical contact. The theremin’s sound is often described as eerie or futuristic and has been used in countless science fiction soundtracks. The instrument’s ability to create haunting, otherworldly tones has made it a favorite in avant-garde music and film scoring.

8. The Cajón

Origin: The Cajón is a percussion instrument that originates from Peru. It is a box-shaped drum that is played by sitting on it and striking its front face, which is typically made from thin plywood. It was originally used in Afro-Peruvian music but has become a staple in various genres worldwide.

Unique Feature: The Cajón’s distinct, deep bass and sharp, snappy slaps make it a versatile instrument for a wide range of musical styles, including flamenco, jazz, and modern pop. The ability to control different tones with hand placement and finger technique gives the Cajón a unique level of expressiveness.

9. The Waterphone

Origin: The Waterphone is an experimental instrument created by Richard Waters in the 1960s. It is constructed from a metal resonator bowl with rods of varying lengths protruding from it, and it is played by rubbing or striking the rods. The bowl is often filled with water to alter the sound.

Unique Feature: The Waterphone produces eerie, metallic sounds that have been widely used in horror film soundtracks and avant-garde music. Its ability to create otherworldly soundscapes makes it a unique addition to any experimental ensemble.

10. The Erhu

Origin: The Erhu is a two-stringed bowed instrument from China, often referred to as the “Chinese violin.” It has a long neck and a small resonator, typically covered with snakeskin. The Erhu dates back to the Tang Dynasty and is a staple in Chinese classical and folk music.

Unique Feature: The Erhu’s sound is rich and expressive, with a deep, soulful tone that can evoke a wide range of emotions. It’s played with a bow, and the player’s mastery of finger placement and bowing techniques allows for intricate, haunting melodies.

Conclusion

The world of musical instruments is far more diverse than most people realize, with countless unique instruments that create sounds unlike anything we’ve heard before. From ancient wind instruments to modern electronic creations, these instruments reflect the cultures, histories, and creative minds that brought them into existence. Exploring these fascinating instruments opens up a whole new world of musical possibilities, whether you’re a listener, a player, or a collector. So, next time you’re seeking something fresh and exciting, look beyond the traditional instruments, and immerse yourself in the world of unusual and unique sounds.