The Best Rare and Unusual Musical Instruments (and Where to Buy Them)
Beyond guitar and piano there is a universe of strange, fun and fascinating instruments. Here are the best and most curious: how they sound, how difficult they are and where to get them.
Otamatone
Japanese instrument shaped like a musical note; you control pitch by sliding your finger along the stem and the 'mouth' modulates the sound.
Difficulty: Easy
Theremin
Played WITHOUT touching it: you move your hands near two antennas to control pitch and volume. The instrument of sci-fi film soundtracks.
Difficulty: Hard
Kalimba
African thumb piano: metal tines plucked with thumbs. Relaxing, music-box sound — very easy to start.
Difficulty: Very easy
Handpan / Hang
Metal drum in a disc shape with tuned notes. Ethereal, meditative sound; very popular in ambient music.
Difficulty: Medium
Ocean Drum
Drum with beads inside that imitates the sound of ocean waves. Used in relaxation and music therapy.
Difficulty: Very easy
Kazoo
Tiny mirliton: hum or sing inside it and it transforms your voice into a comical buzz. Impossible to get easier.
Difficulty: Very easy
Melodica
Half keyboard, half harmonica: blow while pressing keys. Portable and widely used in classrooms and reggae.
Difficulty: Easy
Tongue Drum (Hapi)
Metal tongue drum with tuned tongues you tap with mallets or fingers. The budget cousin of the handpan.
Difficulty: Easy
Stylophone
Pocket analogue synthesizer played with a stylus on a flat metal keyboard. Retro 60s sound.
Difficulty: Easy
Waterphone
Horror instrument par excellence: water inside and metal rods produce eerie sounds when bowed.
Difficulty: Hard
Where to start?
If you have never played anything, start with the kalimba or the otamatone: cheap, fun and zero learning curve. For something more ambitious, the handpan or the theremin.