Unusual musical instruments you've never heard of

Musical instruments are not limited to the familiar guitar, violin or piano. Outside the academic scene, there is a whole world of rare and amazing instruments, each capable of telling its own story and revealing a unique sound.

Many of them originated from ancient traditions, some were the result of bold technical experiments, and some continue to live on in ethnic culture, preserving the magic of the past.

In this article, we will take a closer look at several unusual instruments whose history and sound deserve special attention.

1. Theremin: music from the air

The theremin can rightly be called one of the most mysterious musical instruments of the 20th century. Its creator, Soviet engineer and inventor Lev Theremin, presented the world with a revolutionary idea in the 1920s: controlling music without touching it. The principle of operation is based on the interaction of the human body with an electromagnetic field. The instrument's two antennas detect the position of the performer's hands: one controls the pitch, the other the volume. As a result, the musician literally ‘draws’ the melody in the air.

The theremin became not just a technical novelty, but a true symbol of a new musical era. Its sound — mystical, vibrating, ‘otherworldly’ — was ideal for science fiction and horror films. Listeners encountering this instrument for the first time feel as if the music is born on its own, and the person is merely directing its flow.

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However, playing the theremin is extremely difficult. Any movement of the hand, even the slightest vibration, can change the note. This requires exceptional concentration and perfect pitch. Only a few people can master the instrument, which is why it is still surrounded by an aura of mystery and elitism. Despite this, interest in the theremin is reviving today: modern musicians use it in electronic music, ambient compositions and even in symphonic arrangements, adding an element of mystery to them.

2. Hang: the sounds of a ‘flying saucer’

The hang is one of the youngest and most impressive instruments of our time. Created in Switzerland at the beginning of the 21st century by masters Felix Rhonner and Sabina Scherer, it instantly won the hearts of musicians. Outwardly, the hang resembles a metal disc in the shape of a ‘flying saucer’, inside which a carefully calibrated acoustic system is hidden. On its surface there are special areas called ‘note fields’. By striking them with the palms or fingertips, the musician produces soft, meditative sounds.

The secret of the hang's popularity lies in its special timbre. It combines the purity of a bell, the depth of a gong and the smoothness of a harp. The sounds of the hang seem to flow, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. That is why it is often used for meditation, yoga and music therapy. In the hands of a master, this instrument is capable of creating a whole world of sound, from a rhythmic pulse to contemplative harmonies.

Another special feature of the hang is that it adapts to the individuality of the performer. It is impossible to play it ‘wrong’: even accidental touches become part of the melody. But this is also where the difficulty lies — the musician needs to develop a sense of rhythm and inner harmony in order to fully unlock its potential. Today, the hang and its ‘descendants’ — handpan instruments — have become an integral part of street music and ethnic festivals, symbolising the connection between humans and the rhythms of the universe.

3. Nyckelharpa: a violin with keys

The nyckelharpa is an ancient instrument from Sweden that amazingly combines the nature of a stringed and keyboard instrument. Its history dates back more than 600 years: the first images of the nyckelharpa can be found in medieval manuscripts. Outwardly, it resembles a violin, but wooden keys are attached to the neck, which press down on the strings when pressed. This allows the musician to produce clear notes without relying solely on intuition and finger precision.