A thread for unusual and not well known instruments that deserve some more interest!
The following musical instruments not only sound great, they also look amazing and show a degree of craftsmanship that you simply don't get with the average production instrument.

Also, unfortunately, most of these instruments are merely classed as "toys".

First up I present the Chapman Stick: www.stick.com
It is basically a fretboard tapping instrument that can play melody and bass at the same time, avaliable in a wide variety of types and tunings. Quite pricey, but from what I've heard in songs and from owners, a perfectly made and balanced instrument. I also love the minimalist design. This instrument appeals especially to bassists, as it allows them to create a great dynamic bassline then "attack" with chords quite easily, doesn't really take that much hand independence. I am waiting for a bass model to become avaliable through ebay.co.uk.

The Zendrum: www.zendrum.com
An amazing midi controller that comes in 2 basic models; a guitar shaped body that is suitable for use on its own and a laptop version, that can be used by people confined to wheelchairs, or rigged up to a larger kit. It consists of velocity sensitive pads that can trigger all kinds of sounds and effects. This instrument is mainly aimed at percussionists as it allows a drummer to do things that would normally take 2 or 3 extra musicians. The playing is as simple as tapping the pads in a good rhythm, drummers and percussionists could probably get used to it within a few hours.

The Maui Xaphoon: www.xaphoon.com
A great little instrument (I own one of these, hoping to get a stick soon, too ). It is about the same size as an alto recorder and sounds similar to a saxophone, with a little practice it sounds absolutely breathtaking. It takes a little practice, though.

The Theremin: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin
One of the first electronic instruments ever made, and the first that didn't involve actually touching the instrument. It can sound beautifully haunting... or in most cases absolutely annoying. Probably the hardest instrument I've listed... or at least the hardest to get good tone out of.

Quote:


DOH! How could I forget that classic?!

More like an unseen mirror .

How about the glass organ or "airmonica" i believe it's called.

It sounds like running a damp finger around the rim of a wine glass. Just more intense.

There is an own flute from where I live, it's only the original one, which is quite bad, and one copy, which you can play on.
I don't know much about it, but I'll check about it, and tell more if anyone is interested.
What I do know is that the original was found on the local museum, where it had been quite long time. It had been out from there long time ago (I'm 12 year old, just so you know what long time ago is), to try to copy it, but it didn't work. I'm not sure about where is was before it came to the museum, but I'll check.

Gard

Hmm, I'd imagine a didgeridoo made out of brass to be very tinny, maybe even in a haunting sort of way. Of course it could be sound like passing wind through a metal pipe...

What about the Jaw Harp?