Some musicians are content working with familiar, time-tested instruments that deliver predictable but reliable results. Others, however, push beyond convention. They seek to make sounds that could never have been heard before. Over time, musicians and instrument makers have experimented with new materials and designs that sometimes lead to groundbreaking inventions, and sometimes make oddities that push the boundaries of what we consider music to be.
These weird instruments challenge our way of thinking about music-making. Some have found their way into mainstream music, but others remain niche curiosities that are waiting to be explored by adventurous composers and music producers.
In this article, we’re diving into ten of the weirdest instruments ever created. Some are steeped in tradition, and others are futuristic experiments. All of them show how far musicians will go in the pursuit of new sounds.
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Creating weird instruments: musicians as innovators
The need for new sounds is a constant in music. As genres evolve, we as artists and producers look for fresh ways to capture our artistic visions. Sometimes, we simply want to surprise our audiences. That’s why we can spend hours creating the perfect synth patch, why orchestral composers experiment with extended techniques, and why some experimental musicians build custom instruments from scratch.
Some of the most famous innovations in music history started as strange, niche ideas. The electric guitar, the synthesizer, and the drum machine were once considered radical departures from traditional instruments. Today, they define entire genres.
Let’s take a look at some of the most unique instruments of all time.
