Uncommon Musical Instruments: What They Are and Why They Matter
Ever heard music made with glass, water, or a bowed keyed fiddle? That’s the world of uncommon musical instruments — sounds you don’t hear on every playlist but that can spark real creativity. If you’re tired of the same guitar or piano route, these instruments invite new textures, new techniques, and a fresh way to make music.
Uncommon doesn’t mean impossible to learn. It just means you might need a different approach: where to find one, how to care for it, and a few smart practice moves to get started.
Quick list: Interesting instruments and what they sound like
Here are a few you’ll actually want to try, with a short note on tone and use:
Glass harmonica — ethereal, bell-like tones. Great for ambient pieces and film moods.
Theremin — a touchless electronic instrument that sings with eerie, sliding melodies. Used in old sci-fi and modern experimental music.
Nyckelharpa — a Swedish keyed fiddle with a warm, resonant drone. Perfect for folk and cinematic layers.
Hurdy-gurdy — a crank-driven string instrument that gives a continuous drone and rhythmic melody. Think medieval to modern folk fusion.
Handpan (hang drum) — mellow, percussive tones that feel both rhythmic and melodic. Great for solo and intimate group settings.
Ones Martenot / Ondes Martenot — early electronic keys with haunting vibrato. Rare, but used in film scores and avant-garde works.
Waterphone — metallic, eerie textures made with water and bowing. Used for special effects and dark atmospheres.
Musical saw — surprisingly lyrical, human-like voice from a bowed saw. Portable and hauntingly expressive.
Where to try one, buy smart, and start learning
Want hands-on? Check local music shops, folk festivals, and university music departments — they often host workshops. Search community Meetup groups or Facebook for instrument-specific gatherings. Many players rent or demo at events before buying.
Buying tips: rent or borrow first. Prices vary a lot — handpans often cost hundreds to a few thousand dollars, nyckelharpas and hurdy-gurdies can be costly because they’re handcrafted, and simple theremin kits start cheap while pro models cost more. When buying used, test tuning stability and body condition. For electronics, check cables and power options.
Learning tips: start with sound exploration, not theory. Record short sessions to hear progress. Find one teacher or a few strong online tutorials, and practice in short daily bursts. Join niche forums or subreddits to ask specific questions — players are usually generous with advice.
Care basics: protect wooden bodies from humidity, keep metal instruments dry, and store electronics in padded cases. Regularly check tuning pegs, straps, and any reeds or keys that wear out.
If you want something unique in your music, trying an uncommon instrument can change how you write and play. Go to a workshop, rent a model, and see which sound grabs you first.
Well, buckle up folks, because we're about to dive into a symphony of the peculiar! The world is chock-full of obscure musical instruments that make you scratch your head and say, "You play that how?" From the eerie wails of the theremin (you know, that spooky sound you hear in sci-fi movies), to the zany twangs of the Japanese koto, it's a real carnival of sound out there! So, let's embark on this sonorous safari together, exploring these lesser-known maestros of melody. Trust me, your ears will thank you for the wild ride!
