Nyckelharpa
The nyckelharpa is a medieval Swedish instrument: a kind of fiddle with keys that press down the strings. It has an ethereal, melancholic sound typical of Nordic folk music. It's still played in Scandinavian folk traditions and is enjoying a revival thanks to medieval folk and world-music bands.
Balafon
The balafon is West Africa's xylophone: a series of wooden slats suspended over resonating gourds. It's considered an ancestor of the modern marimba and xylophone. Its sound is bright and percussive, used in traditional ceremonies in Mali, Senegal and Guinea.
Berimbau
The berimbau is a Brazilian bow instrument, essential to capoeira music. It's made of a wooden bow with a single steel string and a gourd as a resonator. Its rhythmic, hypnotic sound sets the pace for capoeira movements.
Sansula
The sansula is a modern variant of the African mbira, mounted on a stretched membrane. It produces a trembling, dreamy sound — like a kalimba with built-in natural reverb. Ideal for meditation and sound therapy.
Xaphoon
The xaphoon is known as the "pocket saxophone": a wooden wind instrument with a reed that produces a sound similar to a soprano sax. Invented in the 1970s in Hawaii, it's only 30 cm long and fits in any pocket. It has a two-octave range and is surprisingly quick to learn.
Hurdy-Gurdy
The hurdy-gurdy is a medieval fiddle played with a crank that turns a resined wooden wheel, which rubs against the strings. It produces a sound similar to bagpipes with a continuous drone. It's enjoying a revival thanks to folk and medieval-metal artists.
Hulusi
The hulusi is a traditional Chinese flute with three bamboo pipes inserted into a gourd. It produces a sweet, velvety sound similar to an oboe or clarinet, with a drone that accompanies the melody. It's very popular in the folk music of Yunnan province.
And many more...
Explore our guide to the 10 rarest musical instruments to see the full list, from the glass armonica to the waterphone. Or discover the otamatone, the Japanese musical-note-shaped instrument that has conquered the world with its viral videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which rare instrument is easiest to learn?
The kalimba and sansula can be learned in a few hours. The berimbau and hulusi are also accessible for curious beginners. The nyckelharpa and hurdy-gurdy require more practice, but offer a truly unique musical experience.
Where can I find these instruments?
Amazon has the widest selection for most instruments. For handcrafted instruments like the nyckelharpa, it's worth contacting specialist luthiers. Folk and world-music fairs are ideal places to try rare instruments live.
Can you learn them without reading music?
Yes! Many rare instruments lend themselves to learning by ear, with no need to read sheet music. The berimbau, sansula and kalimba are an excellent intuitive starting point.