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Least Popular but Fascinating Musical Instruments You Can Give a Try

Live music feeds the soul and promotes happiness. With live events on hold at present, many of us can’t wait to get back to listening to our favorite bands or heading to a concert for much-needed knees up. Music is an important part of our lives. With a lot of extra time on your hands, you may be thinking about learning a musical instrument but aren’t sure what to try out.

When you think of a live orchestra, what comes to mind? Probably drums, violin, cello, or double bass. Smaller bands usually have a guitarist, drum player, and maybe someone on the keyboard. But what of lesser-known instruments? You could try learning something unique and less popular to impress your friends and challenge your mind. Here are some options:

Brass Wind Instruments

Brasswind instruments are categorized as a mechanism where the vibration of the player’s lips against a mouthpiece causes an internal vibration or the air column, creating sound. One instrument in this category is the tuba and the wide varieties of tubas on the market mean that you can choose one that suits you, in a size that’s appropriate. Bb tubas are the largest and usually 18 feet long. They produce a broad sound and are the favored type used in bands at schools. They are also the best choice for first-time users. So, if the tuba is your choice of a unique instrument, comparing the prices of bb tubas is a great start.

The french horn is another popular brass instrument. It holds 18 feet of tubing and is rolled into a circular shape. They are a crucial addition to many orchestras and produce a melody, harmony as well as rhythm but can be difficult to master. It is easy to hit the wrong note with the horn because the harmonics are close together. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! It’s a great challenge and sheet music is available online at various music retailers. YouTube is also a good resource as you can watch demonstrations and try to play along.

The flute is the sophisticated sibling of the simple recorder. It’s a versatile instrument, simple to pick up, and can produce mesmerizing sounds. The great thing about the wonderful invention of the internet is that you can teach yourself the flute by watching tutorials and downloading sheet music, freeing up your pennies to buy a good quality instrument.

The clarinet is an ideal instrument to learn as beginners can opt for a plastic version. There are lots of different styles and if you’re unsure it’s the right one for you, there are options to hire one to see how you get on. If you enjoy it and want to continue, then consider a clarinet made of wood for a richer tone and sound quality. The most important part of a clarinet is the reed; a piece of cane, usually bamboo, that is shaped to vibrate against the mouthpiece. You will need to buy several, as they only last a couple of weeks if you play your clarinet regularly.

Stringed Instruments

When you think of stringed instruments the violin or guitar probably pops to mind. But what about the humble harp? The harp has its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt and date as far back as 3000 bc. The bible has many descriptions of harp playing Christians and heavenly creatures.

Despite its imposing size, the harp isn’t particularly difficult to play. There is no fretting and bowing making it easier to focus on one thing. The harps produce beautiful music, creating a dream-like sound.

They come in a variety of sizes and contain a soundbox, neck, and strings. The harp has been utilized more fully by orchestras in recent years and more techniques have been developed.

The ukulele is a tiny instrument with a sweet sound. This guitar-like instrument is easier to master than a guitar and small enough to carry around. Prices vary, but if you want the full experience and ease of play, a good quality one is crucial. Cheap ukeleles break easily and don’t vibrate well, affecting sound quality. Choose strong solid wood to ensure they last; they will also look better too.

Learning an instrument is good for the brain. Learning new skills has been proven to enhance productivity and give us a sense of well-being. Learning something different is challenging, but rewarding and you never know, you may be playing in an orchestra at a concert in no time.

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