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What is the rarest instrument in the world?

Hydraulophone. The hydraulophone is one of the rarest musical instruments in the world. This instrument is a sensory device that is primarily designed for low vision musicians.

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Most of today's musicians tend to go for instruments like the guitar, violin or piano. However, in addition to these common instruments, there are a few rare and strange ones that not many musicians have probably never heard of, let alone know how they sound. These rare musical instruments create beautiful and melodious sounds. Here is a list of the top 5 strange and rare instruments from different parts of the globe:

Balalaika

The Balalaika is a stringed musical instrument from Russia with a characteristic triangular body. The instrument is strung using three strings and can be played using fingers or with leather plectrums. The instrument has leg extensions for convenience and comfort while playing. There are several variations of the Balalaika including alto balalaika, prima balalaika, bass balalaika, contrabass balalaika, and secunda balalaika.

Singing Ringing Tree

Very few musicians have seen the Singing Ringing Tree instrument. This is a wind powered sculpture that resembles a tree and creates melodious sounds. The instrument is found in Lancashire, England in Europe. This 3-metre tall instrument is made using galvanized steel pipes and harnesses wind energy to create a range of penetrating choral sounds produced in several octaves. The structure of the instrument consists of a combination of specifically cut pipes that create music and a few other pipes for holding the structure as well as serving as visual elements.

Cajon

The Cajon was originally developed in Peru by African slaves. This instrument is a hexagonal (six-sided) wooden box with a hole on one side while the other sides are designed using thin plywood. This percussion instrument is played by sitting on it and slapping either the front or rear sides with brushes, mallets, bare hands, fingers or stick. The instrument is commonly used in African and South American music. However, since the recent past, the instrument is gaining popularity in jazz and contemporary flamenco music.

Hydraulophone

The hydraulophone is one of the rarest musical instruments in the world. This instrument is a sensory device that is primarily designed for low vision musicians. This tonal acoustic instrument is played by direct contact with water or other fluids. In this instrument, sound is generated and affected hydraulically. This one of a kind music is fast becoming a popular instrument in Asia as well as in other parts of the world. The best thing about this instrument is that it creates sounds that rhyme well with most music genres.

Jaw Harp

Also known as a GewGew in Europe, the jaw harp is a small instrument made from metal or bamboo. The instrument has a flexible tongue that sits inside the instrument’s frame and creates the vibrations heard when playing the instrument. The Jaw Harp is played by placing it in the mouth and plucking the device’s tongue to produce sound. The pitch of the sound produced by this instrument can be varied by moving the tongue and lips while the instrument is vibrating. There is an endless collection of strange and fascinating rare musical instruments from different parts of the world. These instruments when played artistically and professionally, can produce magical sounds and tunes that can take your music to a new level.

Your Turn to Sound Off!

What are some other strange or weird instruments that many might not know about?

Let us know in the comment section below!

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How do you tell how old a piano is?

Pianos also have other numbers printed on them such as part numbers and many other pianos do not have a serial number at all. Many pianos will have a 4, 5 or 6 digit serial number to identify the age of the piano. Using this number, along with the manufacturer, the age of the piano can sometimes be determined.

Many piano manufacturers placed serial numbers in a variety of places.

Pianos also have other numbers printed on them such as part numbers and many other pianos do not have a serial number at all. Many pianos will have a 4, 5 or 6 digit serial number to identify the age of the piano. Using this number, along with the manufacturer, the age of the piano can sometimes be determined. The areas to look for these numbers vary from each company but here are some common places to look along with some photos. 1. Piano serial number of uprights are many times located on the inside of the piano stamped onto the plate between the bass string section and the treble string section. 2. Other upright serial numbers are located on the cast iron plate but placed above the treble string section. 3. Grand piano serial numbers are placed in many areas as the photos show. There are seven examples but your serial number placement could be in yet a different location and may require some searching. Be sure to find the manufacturer’s name stamped on the cast iron plate or in the wood. Do not rely on the name that is printed on the fall board as this does not guarantee the name of the manufacturer. Some serial numbers are printed on the back board of vertical pianos and require you to move the piano out from the wall. We have also seen serial numbers of grand pianos stamped into the lyre assembly and nowhere else. A thorough examination is required to locate each pianos individual serial number.

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