Musical instruments are often celebrated for their classic designs and familiar sounds. But beyond the traditional, there’s a world of innovative and sometimes bizarre creations. These strange designs push the boundaries of music, offering new sonic possibilities and challenging our perceptions.
Imagine a violin with a metal horn or a bass instrument so large it needs levers to play! These unconventional instruments arise from a desire to explore, solve problems, or simply innovate. Let’s dive into ten extraordinary musical instruments that redefine what’s possible.
10. Firebird Trumpet
The Firebird trumpet is a unique hybrid of a trumpet and trombone. Conceived by trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and designer Larry Ramirez, it features both the traditional three valves of a trumpet and a trombone-style slide. This combination allows musicians to play rapid valve passages and smooth, sliding notes.
Mostly custom-made by Holton, the Firebird is rare and requires a skilled player to master the complex technique. This instrument provides versatility and a unique sound palette useful in jazz and contemporary music. The Firebird trumpet showcases how collaboration between artists and designers can lead to musical innovation.
9. Stroh Violin
The Stroh violin replaces the traditional wooden body with a metal resonator and horn. Invented in the late 19th century by John Matthias Augustus Stroh, it was designed to amplify sound for early recording technologies. Before electric amplification, studios needed louder instruments, and the Stroh violin’s design was ideal.
Its metal resonator projects sound more efficiently than a standard violin, fitting the needs of the acoustic recording era. Its phonograph-like appearance made it a practical tool and a conversation piece. The Stroh violin found a place in various genres, offering a novel, metallic tone.
Although no longer commonly used, the Stroh violin stands as a fascinating example of how technology drives musical innovation.
8. Contrabass Balalaika
The contrabass balalaika is a large, triangular stringed instrument from Russia, producing deep, resonant tones. A giant version of the traditional balalaika, it features a massive body and three strings and plays the bass parts in folk ensembles, adding a rich foundation.
Made with a wooden body and nylon or gut strings, it has a sound that’s both powerful and mellow. Musicians play it with their fingers or a plectrum, its deep tones complementing higher-pitched instruments in a balalaika orchestra.
The contrabass balalaika has a dedicated following among musicians who appreciate its unique sound and cultural significance in Russian folk music.
7. Pikasso Guitar
Designed by Linda Manzer for Pat Metheny, the Pikasso guitar is a work of art with 42 strings and four necks. This instrument enables a vast range of sounds and simultaneous vibrations, creating rich, layered tones impossible to achieve with standard guitars.
Each of its four necks serves a purpose, from standard fretting to unique tunings. The multiple necks and strings allow musicians to explore new harmonic possibilities, making it a versatile tool for creative expression.
The Pikasso guitar has captivated audiences and musicians, showcasing the possibilities of guitar design and performance.
6. Superbone
The superbone combines slide and valve mechanisms, blending trombone and trumpet features. Popularized by Maynard Ferguson, the superbone allows for rapid valve passages like a trumpet, and smooth, gliding notes like a trombone.
Featuring a trombone slide and three trumpet valves, players can switch between techniques. The dual mechanism expands the instrument’s range, allowing for a variety of styles. Its ability to produce staccato and legato notes makes it a favorite among adventurous musicians.
The superbone inspires musicians to experiment with sounds and techniques, contributing to the evolution of brass music.
5. Subcontrabass Flute
The subcontrabass flute is a member of the flute family, towering at over 8 feet (2.4 meters). Designed to produce low pitches, this instrument adds depth to flute ensembles, its resonant tones making it a favorite in experimental music.
Constructed from metal, it features a system of keys and a wide bore. Playing it requires breath control and strength due to the air needed to produce sound. Musicians can achieve expressive possibilities, from whispers to booming notes.
The subcontrabass flute pushes the boundaries of what flutes can achieve, inspiring composers and performers.
4. Octobass
The octobass is a colossal string instrument, dwarfing the double bass. Invented in the mid-19th century by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, it stands at over 11 feet (3.3 meters), the largest stringed instrument in the violin family. Its design includes three strings, played with levers and pedals.
It produces notes one octave lower than a double bass, giving it a resonant sound that adds a foundation to orchestral music. Its tones are felt as much as heard.
The octobass is a rarity, found in museums or used in special performances. Its appearance and sound make it a piece of musical history.
3. Viola Organista
The viola organista, invented by Leonardo da Vinci, combines keyboard and string elements. It uses a rotating wheel to bow the strings, pressed by keys like a harpsichord. This design produces a continuous sound that resembles a viola played with a bow.
Da Vinci sketched the design in the late 15th century, but a model wasn’t constructed until 2013 by Sławomir Zubrzycki. Its mechanism requires craftsmanship, with a wheel covered in horsehair to simulate a bow. As keys are pressed, the wheel rotates, allowing for sustained notes and expression.
The viola organista blends keyboard and string elements, offering a glimpse into musical invention. Zubrzycki’s construction brought Da Vinci’s design to life.
2. Heckelphone
The heckelphone is a woodwind instrument resembling a bassoon but playing an octave lower. Developed by Wilhelm Heckel in 1904, it fills a gap in the woodwind family, providing richer tones. Its design features a wider bore and bell, adding depth to performances.
Its construction allows it to produce a timbre that sets it apart. Its sound is darker than the oboe or English horn, effective in conveying dramatic passages. The heckelphone is rarely used due to its playability and limited repertoire.
In orchestral settings, the heckelphone enhances the bass section or provides color. Composers like Richard Strauss have utilized it in their works.
1. Laser Harp
The laser harp replaces strings with laser light beams. Invented by Jean-Michel Jarre in the 1980s, it’s played by interrupting the beams. Each beam corresponds to a note, triggering a sensor that produces the sound, for a visually unique performance.
It operates using photoelectric sensors that detect hand movements, connected to a synthesizer. This allows for sounds and effects, making it a favorite in electronic music. Its visual appeal adds to live performances.
These strange musical instruments showcase human creativity and our desire to push the boundaries of music.
Which instrument surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
