Exploring the World of Unconventional Instruments
In the vast and diverse landscape of music, there are certain instruments that stand out due to their unusual nature, requiring special skills or simply defying traditional methods of playing. This article dives into some of the craziest instruments one might encounter, from the humorous to the deeply cultural and surreal.
The Unusual Drum: Nose Flute and Jaw Harp
From the early adventures of playing a drumset at 14, to the quirky journey with the nose flute and jaw harp, these instruments are not for the faint-hearted. The nose flute, for instance, sounds strangely similar to a slide whistle, yet it has no moving parts. These instruments are not easy to master, even for those with some musical background. The jaw harp, another intriguing choice, requires specific techniques to produce its distinctive sound. Both are popular among experimental and folky musicians.
The Ridiculous BASS SAX: A Love Affair with Laughter
>A vast array of musical instruments awaits to surprise and delight you. One such instrument is the bass sax, a hilariously unconventional choice for any musically inclined individual. The pronunciation of reed and winged keys makes it a truly ridiculous instrument to play, especially during boogie-woogie bass line honking. This saxophone, referred to affectionately as a SAFE SAX by the author, is a performance that is as much about laughter as it is about music.
Electronic and No-Touch Delights: Theremin and Synthesizers
The Theremin, with its eerie tones, is a fascinating instrument that is played without touching it. Instead, it is controlled by hand position and distance from the instrument. This electronic sound peculiar to 50s and 60s sci-fi and horror movies can be a surreal experience. While the author has played with one before a show, the true magic lies in seeing it in action. Another unique electronic instrument is the makeshift synthesizer in Philadelphia, which produced random noises through its complex wiring.
Cultural Musics: Zurna, Mey, and Ney Flute
For those interested in exploring music outside of the Western tradition, the zurna, a Turkish oboe, and the mey or duduk, its heroic twin, are must-experience instruments. Both are common in movie scores and bring a exotic feel. The ney flute, while beautiful in its videos, can be challenging to play due to its peculiar sounds, which are hard for some to master.
The Kazoo: A Humorous Journey into Unconventional Sounds
The kazoo is another unconventional instrument that produces a comical noise when played. The author's experience with this instrument highlights the humor in such quirks. Similarly, the digheridoo can be an acquired taste and not everyone finds it to their liking. A personal experience at a house party almost turned into a heated debate over the musical value of such instruments.
Conclusion
The world of music is expansive, and within it, lies a multitude of unconventional instruments. From the nose flute to the bass sax and the theremin, these instruments offer a unique and often humorous experience. They are a testament to the creativity and diversity of human culture, urging us to explore the many sounds and melodies that surround us. If you are ever in Philadelphia or have access to a (possibly) homemade synthesizer, give it a try — you might just be surprised by the sounds you can produce!