A UV, moisture, wind, and temperature controlled synthesizer that soundtracks each sunrise and sunset with pleasant tones? Tell me more!
Tag: obscure instruments
How Mellotrons Work and What Makes Them So Special
Pipe organs are expensive. They’re such large installations that they’re as much architectural and carpentry…
What the Heck Is a Bouzouki?
A few years ago when I was on tour more often, I used to stay…
What the Heck Is a Shakuhachi?
Like many historically significant Japanese things (Zen Buddhism, character writing, the kimono, temple architecture), the…
What the Heck Is a Guzheng?
The guzheng (古筝) is one of my favorite instruments in the world. An ancient Chinese…
How to Make Music with Pigeon Whistles
Last Summer throughout the UK, it was quite possible that if you wandered into an…
Crash Course: Learn the Glockenspiel in 60 Seconds
We’ve all heard that word before — a blend of German-sounding “ocks” and “schps” that,…
Crash Course: Learn the Djembe in 60 Seconds
The djembe is one of West Africa’s best known instruments. It is essentially a goblet-shaped drum carved from a single piece of African hardwood with a head made from rope-tightened animal hide.