UNIQUE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

CONTRABASS BALALAIKA

The contrabass balalaika is a Russian folk instrument that was

developed in the late 17th century. It looks strange because unlike other

stringed musical instruments, it has a triangular body. Played with

fingers or leather plectrums, this instrument is normally equipped with

extension legs resting on the floor and comes in various sizes.

AMERICAN FOTOPLAYER

American Fotoplayer was introduced in 1912 and was developed by

the American Fotoplayer Company. This musical instrument is a type

of player piano that was especially developed to provide sound effects

for silent movies during the early 19th century.

STYLOPHONE

Invented in 1967, a Stylophone is an analog stylus-operated

synthesizer that was introduced by Brian Jarvis.

PIKASSO GUITAR

Designed by Manzer, the Pikasso guitar is a notable instrument

whose name was derived from its likeness to the appearance of the

cubist works of renowned artist Pablo Picasso. This instrument is

basically a harp guitar that has four necks, two sound holes

and 42 strings.

THEREMIN OR AETHERPHONE

Originally known as “Aetherphone,” Theremin is an early electronic

musical instrument that can be controlled without physical contact.

Named after its Russian inventor Leon Theremin, this instrument has

a controlling section that consists of two metal antennas which can

sense the relative position of the Thereminist’s hands and control

oscillators for frequency.

CIMBALOM

Popularized in Hungary, Cimbalom is a concert hammered dulcimer

that features a large trapezoidal box with metal strings stretched

across its top.

GLASS HARMONICA

Also known as “Armonica,” “bowl organ” or “Hydrocrystalophone,”

glass harmonica is a musical instrument that uses a series of glass

bowls or goblets graduated in size to produce a broad range

of musical tones through friction.

CRWTH

A Crwth is an ancient stringed musical instrument that is sometimes

called a “Crowd.” This musical instrument is believed to have been

played in Wales since the 11th century.

ONDES MARTENOT

Also known as “Martenot Waves,” Ondes Martenot is an electronic

instrument that was invented in 1928 by Maurice Martenot.

Its known for its eerie wavering notes.