Music is a magical language that everyone around the world can understand. There are over 1,500 different musical instruments out there, each with its own special sound and story. Imagine early humans using bones and sticks to make music. Fast forward to today, and we’ve got high-tech gadgets like electronic synthesizers that can make all sorts of cool sounds.
The musical instruments covered in our blog post might not be as famous as guitars or pianos, but they have their own amazing stories and unique sounds. It’s like discovering a secret level in your favorite video game!
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure.
Musical Instruments FAQ
2. What defines a musical instrument as ‘rare’?
A musical instrument is considered rare if it is uncommon, not widely known, or used primarily within a specific culture or region. These instruments often have unique designs and sounds that set them apart from more commonly known instruments.
3. What is the oldest known musical instrument?
The oldest known musical instrument is a bone flute made from a bird’s wing, discovered in the Swabian Jura region of Germany. It is estimated to be many thousands of years old.
4. How have musical instruments evolved over time?
Musical instrument families
Physical instruments are broadly categorized into several families based on their method of sound production. The string family, including instruments like the violin, guitar, and harp, produces sound through the vibration of strings. Woodwind instruments, such as the flute, clarinet, and saxophone, generate sound by blowing air through a reed or across an opening. The brass family, encompassing the trumpet, trombone, and tuba, creates music through the vibration of the player’s lips on a mouthpiece. Percussion instruments, like drums, xylophones, and tambourines, produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. Keyboard instruments such as the piano and organ use a combination of strings and hammers or air to generate sound. In the modern era, electronic instruments like synthesizers and electric guitars have emerged, utilizing electronic circuits to produce a wide range of sounds. Each family of instruments enriches the mosaic of musical expression.
| Instrument Family | Examples |
|---|---|
| String | Violin, Guitar, Harp |
| Woodwind | Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone |
| Brass | Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba |
| Percussion | Drums, Xylophone, Tambourine |
| Keyboard | Piano, Organ |
| Electronic | Synthesizers, Electric Guitar |
Learning about rare musical instruments helps us appreciate the diversity and richness of musical traditions around the world. It also provides insights into the cultural heritage and innovations of different societies.
Let’s read about some of the rarest musical instruments you’ve probably never heard of, and which are sure to surprise and delight you.
1. Ondes Martenot
The Ondes Martenot is an early electronic musical instrument invented in 1928. It features a keyboard and a sliding wire to create vibrato effects, producing eerie and ethereal sounds similar to a theremin. The instrument has been used in classical compositions, film scores, and experimental music due to its expressive capabilities.
2. Kalimba
The Kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a traditional African musical instrument. It consists of a wooden board (often hollow) with metal tines of varying lengths attached to the top. The tines are plucked with the thumbs to produce music. Each tine has a different pitch, determined by its length and thickness, allowing the player to create melodies and harmonies. The Kalimba has its roots in African culture and has been used for centuries in various forms across the continent. It is known for its soothing, bell-like tones and is often used in spiritual and ceremonial contexts.
3. Octobass
The Octobass is an exceptionally large string instrument designed in the 19th century. It stands over three meters tall and produces extremely low frequencies, extending the range of the double bass into subsonic realms. Due to its massive size and specialized playing technique, it is rarely seen outside of orchestral performances of certain classical compositions.
4. Seraphine
The Seraphine is a rare keyboard instrument resembling a small piano but with strings that are struck rather than plucked. It was invented in the 18th century and was popular for its unique sound, somewhere between a harpsichord and a dulcimer. The seraphine fell out of favor in the 19th century but has seen occasional revivals among enthusiasts of historical keyboard instruments.
5. Trombone
The Trombone has a cylindrical bore and usually features a bell that flares outwards. It’s a versatile instrument capable of playing both melody and harmony parts in ensembles, and it’s valued for its expressive capabilities and wide range. The Trombone is a staple in various musical genres, including classical orchestras, concert bands, jazz ensembles, and contemporary music. In orchestral settings, it often plays a crucial role in brass sections, providing both harmonic support and lyrical solos.
6. Kraakdoos
The Kraakdoos is a pocket-sized electronic noise maker, developed in the 1970s. It features various electronic circuits that generate unpredictable and noisy sounds, often used in experimental music and sound art. The Kraakdoos is prized for its ability to create unique textures and timbres, making it a favorite among avant-garde musicians and electronic composers.
7. Stalacpipe Organ
The Stalacpipe Organ is a unique musical instrument located in Virginia’s Luray Caverns. It uses naturally formed stalactites, struck by rubber mallets, to produce tones. Each stalactite is carefully tuned to create a scale, allowing the organist to play melodies and chords deep within the cavern’s natural acoustics. This remarkable instrument combines music with the awe-inspiring beauty of underground formations, offering a one-of-a-kind musical experience. The Stalacpipe Organ exemplifies the creative ways humans have harnessed natural elements to create art and music, making it a must-see for visitors exploring the intersection of nature and culture.
8. Hammered Dulcimer
The Hammered Dulcimer is a trapezoidal-shaped string instrument played by striking the strings with small hammers. It is found in various forms across the world, from the Middle East to Eastern Europe and the Americas. The Hammered Dulcimer is known for its bright, bell-like tones and is popular in folk and classical music, as well as contemporary genres like new-age and world music.
9. Glass Armonica
The Glass Armonica is an unusual instrument invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century. It consists of a series of glass bowls or goblets of graduated sizes mounted on a spindle and played by rubbing moistened fingers along the rims. The instrument produces hauntingly beautiful tones with a characteristic ethereal quality. The Glass Armonica was popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries but fell out of favor due to concerns over the potential health effects of leaded glass bowls. It has since seen occasional revivals and is appreciated for its unique sound in classical and experimental music.
10. Cristal Baschet
The Cristal Baschet is a contemporary musical instrument invented in the 1950s by French brothers Bernard and François Baschet. It consists of metal rods of different lengths attached to a resonating chamber with a system of amplification using a vibrating plate. The player rubs the rods with wet fingers to create sounds similar to those of a glass harmonica or singing bowl. The Cristal Baschet produces a wide range of ethereal, metallic tones and is used in experimental music, film scores, and contemporary classical compositions for its unique timbre and expressive capabilities.
11. Contrabassoon
The Contrabassoon is a double reed woodwind instrument and the largest and lowest-pitched member of the bassoon family. It plays an octave lower than the bassoon and produces deep, resonant tones. The Contrabassoon is characterized by its long, curved shape and double reed mouthpiece, which vibrates when air is blown through it. It is used primarily in orchestral and wind ensemble music, adding a rich bass foundation to the woodwind section. The Contrabassoon’s unique timbre and powerful sound make it a valuable asset in both classical and contemporary music compositions.
12. Shamisen
The Shamisen is a traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument with a long neck and a drum-like body covered with skin. It is played with a plectrum called a bachi, creating a bright, percussive sound. The Shamisen is used in various traditional Japanese music genres, including folk, classical, and theater music such as kabuki and bunraku. It has a distinctive, expressive sound that reflects the cultural heritage and aesthetic principles of Japanese music, making it a symbol of traditional Japanese performing arts.
13. Hydraulophone
The Hydraulophone is a water-based musical instrument invented by Steve Mann in the 2000s. It consists of a series of pipes or tubes with water flowing through them under pressure. When a player covers or uncovers the openings of these pipes, the water flow creates sound vibrations. The Hydraulophone’s sound is similar to that of a woodwind instrument, with varying tones depending on the water pressure and the player’s interaction with the pipes. It is used in interactive installations, public art projects, and experimental music performances, offering a unique sensory experience that combines music with the tactile sensation of flowing water.
14. Claviola
The Claviola, also known as the Key-Bagpipe, is a free-reed instrument developed in the mid-20th century. It combines elements of the accordion, harmonica, and melodica into a compact keyboard instrument. The Claviola is played by pressing keys that open and close valves, allowing air to pass through reeds inside the instrument, producing sound. It has a bright, cheerful tone and is used in various musical genres, from folk and traditional music to contemporary pop and rock. The Claviola’s portable design and expressive capabilities make it a versatile addition to both solo and ensemble performances.
15. Glass Harmonium
The Glass Harmonium is similar to the glass harmonica but uses glass rods instead of bowls to create music. The player rubs their fingers on the rotating glass rods, producing hauntingly beautiful tones that resonate through the instrument’s body. The Glass Harmonium has been used in classical compositions and operas, known for its ethereal and mesmerizing sound.
16. Pyrophone
The Pyrophone, also known as a fire organ or explosion pipe, is a unique musical instrument that produces sound using combustion. It consists of a series of metal tubes of varying lengths, each equipped with a gas burner at the bottom. When the burners are ignited, the resulting combustion creates pressure waves within the tubes, producing musical tones. The Pyrophone is known for its dramatic and percussive sound, often used in experimental music and theatrical performances.
17. Nyckelharpa
The Nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish string instrument dating back to the 15th century. It features a series of keys or tangents that fret the strings to change pitch, similar to a violin or a hurdy-gurdy. The Nyckelharpa has a rich, resonant sound and is played by drawing a bow across its strings while pressing keys to select different pitches. It is known for its role in Swedish folk music and has experienced a revival in recent years, gaining popularity among musicians interested in traditional Nordic music.
18. Hang
The Hang is a handcrafted percussion instrument created in Switzerland in the early 21st century. It consists of two hemispherical shells of nitrided steel glued together at the rim, creating a convex shape. The top shell has a center ‘note’ hammered into it and seven or eight ‘tone fields’ hammered around the center. These tone fields are tuned harmonically and are played with the hands. The Hang produces warm, resonant sounds that resemble bells or harmonically tuned steel drums. It has gained popularity worldwide for its soothing and meditative qualities.
19. Theremin
The Theremin is one of the earliest electronic musical instruments, invented in the early 1920s by Russian inventor Léon Theremin. It is played without physical contact, as the musician’s hands control two metal antennas which sense the position of the player’s hands in relation to the instrument’s circuitry. One hand controls pitch by altering the frequency, while the other controls volume by altering amplitude. The Theremin produces eerie, otherworldly sounds often associated with science fiction and avant-garde music. It has been featured in numerous film scores and electronic music compositions for its unique and haunting timbre.
20. Chapman Stick
The Chapman Stick is an electric string instrument invented by Emmett Chapman in the early 1970s. It features a long fretboard with 8 to 12 strings and is played by tapping or “hammering on” the strings with both hands. The Chapman Stick allows for polyphonic playing, enabling the musician to play bass, melody, and chords simultaneously. It is used in various genres, including jazz, rock, and experimental music, known for its versatility and expressive capabilities.
21. Sarangi
The Sarangi is a traditional bowed string instrument from the Indian subcontinent. It features a hollow wooden body with three main playing strings and up to 40 sympathetic strings. The Sarangi is played with a bow, and the strings are stopped not with the fingertips but with the nails or cuticles of the player’s left-hand fingers. It has a deeply emotional and vocal-like quality, often used in classical Indian music, folk music, and religious music. The Sarangi’s expressive capabilities allow for subtle nuances in pitch and tone, making it a revered instrument in Indian musical traditions.
22. Waterphone
The Waterphone is a unique musical instrument invented by Richard Waters in the late 1960s. It consists of a stainless steel resonator bowl with a cylindrical neck and bronze rods of varying lengths and diameters attached around the rim. The Waterphone is played by bowing, striking, or rotating it, causing the rods to resonate and create eerie, ethereal sounds reminiscent of whale calls or otherworldly landscapes. It is used extensively in film scores, ambient music, and sound design for its haunting and evocative timbre.
23. Contrabass Balalaika
The Contrabass Balalaika is a large, triangular-shaped string instrument from Russia. It is similar in construction to the traditional balalaika but significantly larger and tuned to a lower range. The Contrabass Balalaika has three strings and is played with a pick, producing deep, resonant tones that provide a foundational bass sound in Russian folk orchestras and ensembles. Its powerful sound and unique appearance make it a distinctive instrument in both traditional and contemporary Russian music.
24. Shakuhachi
The Shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese bamboo flute with five finger holes and a distinctive notch cut into the blowing end. It has a rich history in Japanese Zen Buddhist meditation practices, as well as classical and folk music. The Shakuhachi is played by blowing air into the flute and using subtle variations in breath and finger placement to produce a wide range of tones and expressive nuances. It is known for its meditative and introspective sound qualities, making it a beloved instrument in Japanese cultural traditions.
25. Alphorn
The Alphorn is a traditional wooden horn instrument used in mountainous regions of Europe, particularly in Switzerland, Austria, and Bavaria. It is typically made from a single piece of wood and can reach lengths of up to 4 meters. The Alphorn produces deep, resonant tones and is played by blowing into a mouthpiece while the player’s hand adjusts the pitch by covering and uncovering the bell. It is used in folk music, alpine festivals, and ceremonial performances, symbolizing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of alpine regions.
26. Serpent
The Serpent is a historical brass instrument dating back to the 16th century. It features a coiled, snake-like shape, giving it its distinctive name. The Serpent has finger holes like a woodwind instrument but is played with a cup-shaped mouthpiece similar to that of a brass instrument. It produces a mellow, rounded sound and was historically used in church music and military bands. The Serpent has experienced revivals in early music ensembles and is appreciated for its unique timbre and historical significance.
27. Bandoneón
The Bandoneón is a type of concertina developed in Germany in the 19th century and later adopted in Argentina and Uruguay, where it became a central instrument in tango music. It features two rectangular wooden boxes connected by bellows and a series of buttons on both sides. The Bandoneón is played by expanding and contracting the bellows while pressing the buttons to produce different notes. It has a rich, expressive sound ideal for the passionate rhythms and melancholic melodies of tango music, making it an integral part of the genre’s distinctive sound.
28. Baryton
The Baryton is a rare string instrument from the 17th and 18th centuries, similar to the viola da gamba. It has six or seven gut strings played with a bow and an additional set of sympathetic metal strings that can be plucked with the thumb of the left hand. This dual functionality allows the Baryton to produce a rich, complex sound with both bowed and plucked tones. The instrument was popular in the Baroque and Classical periods, especially in the court of Prince Nikolaus Esterházy, who commissioned numerous compositions for it from the famous composer Joseph Haydn. Today, the Baryton is mainly of interest to early music specialists and enthusiasts who seek to revive its unique sound in historical performances.
29. Pipe Organ
The Pipe Organ is a keyboard instrument that produces sound by driving pressurized air through pipes of various lengths and materials. It is known for its majestic and powerful sound, capable of filling vast spaces with music. The Pipe Organ has a long history dating back to ancient Greece and Rome, evolving over centuries into the complex instruments found in churches, cathedrals, and concert halls today. It is used in religious ceremonies, classical music performances, and organ recitals, prized for its ability to evoke a range of emotions and its impressive sonic capabilities.
30. Yaybahar
The Yaybahar is an acoustic instrument designed by Turkish musician Görkem Şen. It consists of a wooden frame with strings stretched across it, connected to two drum-like membranes. The vibrations from the strings are transmitted through these membranes, which are then amplified acoustically. The Yaybahar produces a diverse range of sounds, from deep bass tones to sharp percussive notes, resembling a blend of string and percussion instruments. It is played by plucking or bowing the strings and has gained attention for its unique design and sonic capabilities.