Obscure Musical Instruments itP [Archive] - Giant in the Playground Forums

Deth Muncher

2010-03-10, 12:00 PM

Ahoy all. This is to be a thread for the discussion of the usage, obtainment and, well, general awesomeness that are those obscure instruments. By obscure, I mean not your basic everyday recognizable instruments. For example, a guitar is recognized by almost everyone. A cello, though common, isn't necessarily instantly known to non-musicians.

To kick this off, I'm interested in buying a harmonium. For those that don't know, it's basically the ancestor of the modern portable keyboard, and is a small, bellows-operated piano type deal. Originally made in France, it's now quite popular in India.

I, given my living in the US, am trying to find one that's concert pitched. (That's 440, for those of you who know what I mean. Then again, if you knew what I meant, I wouldn't need to explain it, would I? -facepalm-) I'm also looking for one on the cheap, if possible, since I also need to buy some sort of book on how to play it. My issue, though, is that most of today's harmoniums are made for Indian music - that is, with semitones included, which Western music doesn't so much have. HALP?

arguskos

2010-03-10, 12:02 PM

I had a friend in High School who built a Theremin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin) in her garage, and learned how to play it. Those things are freaky. :smalleek:

The Demented One

2010-03-10, 12:04 PM

I had a friend in High School who built a Theremin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin) in her garage, and learned how to play it. Those things are freaky. :smalleek:
You want scary, you need to look at the theremin's big brother. The thoramin! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1O2jcfOylU)

The Rose Dragon

2010-03-10, 12:06 PM

You want scary, you need to look at the theremin's big brother. The thoramin! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1O2jcfOylU)

Of course, that's not so much a musical instrument as it is a really weird speaker, since you can't really play it.

arguskos

2010-03-10, 12:08 PM

You want scary, you need to look at the theremin's big brother. The thoramin! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1O2jcfOylU)
THAT. WAS. BIZARRE. Also, AWESOME. Also also, DOES WANT. :smallbiggrin:

Vulkarius

2010-03-10, 12:20 PM

The Hurdy Gurdy: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_gurdy?wasRedirected=true

basicaly a violin that uses a wheel and keys to bow the strings and play the notes.

Eurus

2010-03-10, 12:20 PM

You want scary, you need to look at the theremin's big brother. The thoramin! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1O2jcfOylU)

That's... awesome. And the Zelda theme (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LudXCEZvn50&feature=related) on those things was even more impressive. :smallbiggrin:

Froogleyboy

2010-03-10, 01:01 PM

I play the Ocarina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina), I'm not that good, but I'm learning

Nameless

2010-03-10, 01:01 PM

The Hurdy Gurdy: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_gurdy?wasRedirected=true

basicaly a violin that uses a wheel and keys to bow the strings and play the notes.

Hurdy-Gurdy is the greatest instrument in the world. [/discussion]

Vulkarius

2010-03-10, 01:11 PM

Theramin also invented a life sized model that the player uses thei entire body to play (like a dance) except the movements would have to be so precise no one could play it. Yada yada yada he was kidnapped by the Russians and was ne'er heard from again.

And hurdy gurdy=win

Dogmantra

2010-03-10, 01:12 PM

I play the ukulele but that's as obscure as I get.

smellie_hippie

2010-03-10, 01:21 PM

I have an obscure fascination with wanting to play the Accordian and the Bagpipes. Not exceptionally obscure... but bending a little out of the realms of most stringed instruments or drums...

Crimmy

2010-03-10, 01:47 PM

Want obscure instruments?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Luthiers

These guys make them by the lot.
I mean it.

Too bad they're spanish-speakers. However, you can look for their videos in Youtube.

I'd recommend "Valdemar y el hechizero", in which you can see one of their most obscure instruments yet. The "Alambique encantador" (or the Charming Alembic, if you will).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2S-GDnuGTw0

Want more?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-d-WbQzGPQ

Deth Muncher

2010-03-10, 02:02 PM

Hurdy-Gurdy is the greatest instrument in the world. [/discussion]

Troof. lalala

Vulkarius

2010-03-10, 02:59 PM

Also the Prepard Piano. Basicaly a piano that has wooden blocks between the strings and it creates a very unique sound. John Cage did alot of music featuring this... and silence. Can silence be an instrument? Can't really "play" it though.

Gullara

2010-03-10, 03:29 PM

I play the Ocarina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocarina), I'm not that good, but I'm learning

Awesome (Zelda for the win)

Icewalker

2010-03-10, 05:08 PM

I really, really want to learn to play the glass armonica.

It's basic story: Benjamin Franklin saw someone playing musical glasses and said to himself "Hey, that's cool, but it's really inefficient." Then went and built this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQemvyyJ--g

Deth Muncher

2010-03-10, 05:23 PM

Coplantor

2010-03-10, 05:29 PM

Vaynor

2010-03-10, 05:59 PM

I know the theremin has been mentioned already, but that is by far my favorite obscure musical instrument. If I had enough money to buy one or enough technical knowledge to make one I'd definitely get one.

Dr.Epic

2010-03-10, 06:26 PM

I want to learn how to play the ocarina so I can travel back in time three days.

Ravens_cry

2010-03-10, 06:34 PM

Crimmy

2010-03-10, 06:45 PM

The Theremin, the most famous obscure musical instrument.:smallwink:

Okay, I need to quote this.

littlebottom

2010-03-10, 06:57 PM

you want OBSCURE?! you want AWESOME?! i present to you!!!! *drumroll*

THE EIGENHARP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVqJh0qEMc)

no really!

Mauve Shirt

2010-03-10, 08:28 PM

I'm learning to play the didgeridoo.

PJ the Epic

2010-03-10, 09:16 PM

I play the bassoon good. It's not really too bizzare, but I thought it was worth starting with.

I also play the heckelphone! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heckelphone It's like a bass oboe. My school has one of these sitting around. They also have a E-flat clarinet (which is a smaller clarinet), an alto clarinet, and a flugelhorn, all of which I am learning to play. :smallbiggrin:

Vulkarius

2010-03-10, 09:24 PM

I've been to Philly and seen his (or a recreation of his, I forget). It's quite winriffic.

They used to call it The Devils Instrument or some variation because this type of sound wasn't heard before. Also the players would often die. Due to the fact that the glass was painted with lead paint and the player would have to lick their fingers to keep playing. OooOoOh.

ScottishDragon

2010-03-10, 09:27 PM

You want scary, you need to look at the theremin's big brother. The thoramin! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1O2jcfOylU)

that is EPIC!!!

luv the ghostbuster and zelda!!

Arti3

2010-03-10, 09:53 PM

Do various human organs count?

u-gotNOgame

2010-03-10, 11:02 PM

I also play the heckelphone! It's like a bass oboe. My school has one of these sitting around. They also have a E-flat clarinet (which is a smaller clarinet), an alto clarinet, and a flugelhorn, all of which I am learning to play. :smallbiggrin:

The Heckelphone is just weird... have fun. The Alto, and E-flat Clarinets however are not that uncommon in orchestral scores. The E-flat clarinet is featured promenently in things like Stravinsky's The Rite Of Spring and also in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique. As for the alto clarinet I have a personal vendetta against it. Our school alto is not a very good instrument and has a tendency to do nothing but squeak and sound very wavy for even the most skilled of players... However Percy Grainger's Lincolnshire Posy has a very well known alto clarinet solo and someone had to make is sound decent. Other peices use it in order to get a fuller clarinet sound if they choose to put a clarinet soli section in it.

-UGNG

Kneenibble

2010-03-10, 11:19 PM

I, given my living in the US, am trying to find one that's concert pitched. (That's 440, for those of you who know what I mean. Then again, if you knew what I meant, I wouldn't need to explain it, would I? -facepalm-) I'm also looking for one on the cheap, if possible, since I also need to buy some sort of book on how to play it. My issue, though, is that most of today's harmoniums are made for Indian music - that is, with semitones included, which Western music doesn't so much have. HALP?

The Hare Krishnas have the corner on the North American harmonium market. I'm sure they will be glad to help you buy one at a competitive price.

Also, *head scratching* I'm sure that semitone is not the word you mean, Western music being rather rife with them, unless I am quite ignorant about something esoteric... but I'm a lifelong pianist, soooo... wha?

Deth Muncher

2010-03-11, 01:18 AM

The Hare Krishnas have the corner on the North American harmonium market. I'm sure they will be glad to help you buy one at a competitive price.

Also, *head scratching* I'm sure that semitone is not the word you mean, Western music being rather rife with them, unless I am quite ignorant about something esoteric... but I'm a lifelong pianist, soooo... wha?

I mean, in Western music, our chromatic scale has 16 notes. In most Eastern music, there's 22. O_o Plus, they don't necessarily play songs at 440Hz, which leads to, say, their A being out of tune with our A. And stuff. This is why if you listen to some Eastern music, if you have perfect pitch (which I don't, I have nearish pitch) your brain kinda freezes and tilts 45 degrees.

Kneenibble

2010-03-11, 01:35 AM

The word you want for that is microtone, dear. Semitone refers to an absolute interval.

All the harmoniums I have seen and played (which is only a handful, mind) have a normal octave-based keyboard, but they did have a slightly wonky sound, probably A-444. I do believe, however, if you're tinkerishly inclined, they can be opened and tuned.

Deth Muncher

2010-03-11, 01:42 AM

The Demented One

2010-03-11, 09:40 AM

The Hurdy Gurdy: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_gurdy?wasRedirected=true

basicaly a violin that uses a wheel and keys to bow the strings and play the notes.
I've played that! They're awesome.

Asta Kask

2010-03-11, 09:53 AM

http://lagaffemegate.free.fr/journalspirou/index/images/obj/gaffophone.jpg

Egiam

2010-03-11, 01:52 PM

I've heard of the "Lobro", the world's only bass dobro (resonator guitar).

Has anyone else heard of it?

EDIT: Here we go:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Lobro-galax1998-2.jpg/470px-Lobro-galax1998-2.jpg

Two old-time musicians with the LoBro, a homemade, one-of-a-kind resonophonic plucked bass instrument modeled on the Dobro. Photo taken summer 1998 at the 1998 Old Fiddler's Convention in Galax, Virginia, United States.

Vulkarius

2010-03-11, 11:36 PM

I've heard of the "Lobro", the world's only bass dobro (resonator guitar).

Has anyone else heard of it?

I feel I want one... I love all things for stringed (in the lower registers) almost done defretting my electric bass.

The Vorpal Tribble

2010-03-12, 12:20 AM

I don't know if it's obscure but I play the panflutes

Vulkarius

2010-03-12, 12:31 AM

I don't know if it's obscure but I play the panflutes

Obscure that it's uncommon. And cool.

Dvil

2010-03-12, 03:27 AM

I play the Flugel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugelhorn), which is obscure enough that no-one outside of the Brass Band world seems to have heard of it (round here, at least).

Egiam

2010-03-12, 04:26 AM

I play the Flugel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugelhorn), which is obscure enough that no-one outside of the Brass Band world seems to have heard of it (round here, at least).

Well... I hadn't heard of it, and I consider myself to be fairly knowledgable, so I guess that it's obscure. :smallbiggrin:

Deth Muncher

2010-03-12, 04:36 AM

Well... I hadn't heard of it, and I consider myself to be fairly knowledgable, so I guess that it's obscure. :smallbiggrin:

I've heard of it. And heard it blaring in my ear in marching band. :P Guess you've just gotta be a band geek.

Jimorian

2010-03-12, 05:22 AM

I present to you: The Hang Drum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQXn5ba0aT8).

llamamushroom

2010-03-12, 05:58 AM

I've heard of it. And heard it blaring in my ear in marching band. :P Guess you've just gotta be a band geek.

Or in a Big Band with weird members/charts. Seriously, who arranges Funny Valentine for flugelhorn solo?!

Does electric 5-string violin count as 'obscure'? I call her Jane.

... what? Don't you name your instruments?

raitalin

2010-03-12, 06:21 AM

you want OBSCURE?! you want AWESOME?! i present to you!!!! *drumroll*

THE EIGENHARP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVqJh0qEMc)

no really!

Perhaps not so obscure for long, a lot of established musicians are interested in/learning/composing for the instrument.

I'm a big fan of packing a lot of versatality into a small space, so I love this thing.

Vulkarius

2010-03-12, 01:07 PM

I play the Flugel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flugelhorn), which is obscure enough that no-one outside of the Brass Band world seems to have heard of it (round here, at least).

Doesn't this go by another name? Couldve sworn we went over it in 20th century music. During the big band era.

Deth Muncher

2010-03-12, 01:26 PM

Doesn't this go by another name? Couldve sworn we went over it in 20th century music. During the big band era.

I mean, there's the flugelhorn, or possibly the "Instrument that Chuck Mangione plays."

Eldan

2010-03-12, 02:40 PM

that is EPIC!!!

luv the ghostbuster and zelda!!

I prefer when they play the more epic pieces on it. Like the Imperial March or Also Sprach Zarathustra.

Dvil

2010-03-12, 03:22 PM

Doesn't this go by another name? Couldve sworn we went over it in 20th century music. During the big band era.

I haven't heard of another name for it, though that of course doesn't mean that there isn't one.

Rattine

2010-03-12, 06:59 PM

This thread is ultimate win. I've learned about a few new instruments that I didn't even know existed! I knew about the theremin, and I love how it sounds! Specifically in this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adtW7nZHmkg

I want a set of hang drums!! lol

Unfortunately, I don't really play any obscure or uncommon instruments... My mom owns a digereedoo, if that counts. =\

Raiki

2010-03-12, 08:10 PM

One of my favorite obscure instruments was introduced to me by a student-teacher I had in my band class in HS. The Vibraphone. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibraphone) He used it in a small jazz ensemble that performed Mercy Mercy Mercy. We had someone else on the trumpet, one person on the clarinet, one person on alto sax, and me on baritone sax (which along with the soprano sax, are the 2 most obscure instuments I can personally play).

Anyway, the computer I'm on now doesn't have speakers, and I refuse to post youtube videos of unjudged quality, so I'll repost later (or maybe just edit this one) to provide a suitable example of the amazingness that is the Vibraphone.

~R~

Deth Muncher

2010-03-12, 09:02 PM

Vibraphone

~R~

Yet another bandyband instrument. So much fun to be had! :D

Moff Chumley

2010-03-12, 09:14 PM

you want OBSCURE?! you want AWESOME?! i present to you!!!! *drumroll*

THE EIGENHARP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcVqJh0qEMc)

no really!

Overrated.

THIS is obscure. =D Buchla 200e modular synth. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HWbLz1HPO8&feature=related)

Vaynor

2010-03-13, 01:15 AM

Here's a pretty cool obscure musical instrument: the Zanzithophone! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q2sa0jp9hY&feature=related)

Not sure if it's actually obscure, I don't know much about musical instruments, but I've definitely never heard of it. Basically, it's an electronic MIDI saxophone. Pretty nifty.

Gaelbert

2010-03-13, 02:25 AM

I play the Irish Tin Whistle. Which sounds more uncommon to laypeople than it actually is.
I also play a fair amount of recorder, which is so common that people no longer regard it as a musical instrument, and kinda loops back around into rare again.

golentan

2010-03-13, 02:43 AM

I play the French Horn, the Alp Horn, and the Golentan.

Seriously, I figured out a way where I wet myself just right in the shower, and drag the curtain rod over different parts of my body as a bow to produce different tones. I've only got about three notes, and the rod isn't working right since the paint chipped last week, but c'mon.

Plus my belly slapping adds a percussion instrument component.

Vulkarius

2010-03-14, 07:08 PM

I'll have to check my doodle ridden notes on that Mangio-horn.

Oh oh! Just remembered this one. Enjoy!

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenklavier?wasRedirected=true

Ceric

2010-03-15, 12:08 AM

I play viola. Does that count? :smallwink: Which is not an obscure instrument so much as an obscure clef (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alto_clef#The_alto_clef).

Occasional Sage

2010-03-15, 12:16 AM

The Hurdy Gurdy: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurdy_gurdy?wasRedirected=true

basicaly a violin that uses a wheel and keys to bow the strings and play the notes.

You play it, or are just a fan? I've wanted to learn for a long time but am unwilling to pay the large stacks of cash the local shop wants for one; to fix that, I'm making one myself in the (very) near future.

Are you able to find sheet music for it? Instructional info? Or is it just figure-it-out-as-you-go?

I present to you: The Hang Drum (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQXn5ba0aT8).

This, by the way, is made of fabulousness.

Vaynor

2010-03-15, 12:18 AM

You play it, or are just a fan? I've wanted to learn for a long time but am unwilling to pay the large stacks of cash the local shop wants for one; to fix that, I'm making one myself in the (very) near future.

Are you able to find sheet music for it? Instructional info? Or is it just figure-it-out-as-you-go?

A bastion of knowledge is at your fingertips. (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=hurdy+gurdy+lesson)

Occasional Sage

2010-03-15, 12:25 AM

A bastion of knowledge is at your fingertips. (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=hurdy+gurdy+lesson)

Oh sure, use technology to solve problems. :smallredface:

Seriously, the sarcasm almost outweighs the usefulness. Well done!

Vaynor

2010-03-15, 12:26 AM

Seriously, the sarcasm almost outweighs the usefulness. Well done!

:biggrin:

I do what I can.

Vulkarius

2010-03-15, 09:25 AM

You play it, or are just a fan? I've wanted to learn for a long time but am unwilling to pay the large stacks of cash the local shop wants for one; to fix that, I'm making one myself in the (very) near future.

Are you able to find sheet music for it? Instructional info? Or is it just figure-it-out-as-you-go?

This, by the way, is made of fabulousness.

Wish I could afford one :/ Saw it on antique roadshow once and I fell in love. Not...that I watch it or anything.

THAC0

2010-03-15, 07:17 PM

I play the French Horn, the Alp Horn, and the Golentan.

Horn players rock. Try out some natural horn.

Next time I have a few grand to drop, I'm getting me an alphorn.

I also play the harmonica, mountain dulcimer and altonium, and have some basic proficiency with pennywhistles, bodhran and all the common band/orchestra instruments.

My double pennywhistle (http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/Double_Flutes.htm) is the coolest, though!

littlebottom

2010-03-15, 08:44 PM

My double pennywhistle (http://www.eriktheflutemaker.com/Double_Flutes.htm) is the coolest, though!

stupidest invention ever! you dont need to make 2 into one like that, you just need to get 2 and stick them up your nose! it works just as well:smallcool:

golentan

2010-03-15, 09:29 PM

stupidest invention ever! you dont need to make 2 into one like that, you just need to get 2 and stick them up your nose! it works just as well:smallcool:

It's been done. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_flute)

Thanks for the words of support on the Horning though, THAC0. I do try my best to be a good horn dog... I mean player... No, not that kind of player, I just enjoy big horns... I mean, I like blowing them. :smalleek:

I give up. I enjoy musicianship though.

littlebottom

2010-03-15, 09:56 PM

It's been done. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nose_flute)

yeah i know, thats why i said it :smallwink:

Vulkarius

2010-03-16, 07:03 PM

Uh did I mention....http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenklavier?wasRedirected=true PIANO THAT PLAYS CATS. CATS!

Caps means I'm yelling for some reason. REASON.

Froogleyboy

2010-03-16, 07:36 PM

Uh did I mention....http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenklavier?wasRedirected=true PIANO THAT PLAYS CATS. CATS!

Caps means I'm yelling for some reason. REASON.

oh my god
I want!

Vulkarius

2010-03-16, 07:59 PM

It's supposed to be theraputic :smallbiggrin:

golentan

2010-03-16, 08:03 PM

Uh did I mention....http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katzenklavier?wasRedirected=true PIANO THAT PLAYS CATS. CATS!

Caps means I'm yelling for some reason. REASON.

:smalleek:

That's horrible! Torturing animals for music and "Therapy?" :smallfurious:

The inventor is lucky he's been dead for two centuries, or I'd kill him.

Vulkarius

2010-03-16, 08:09 PM

:smalleek:

That's horrible! Torturing animals for music and "Therapy?" :smallfurious:

The inventor is lucky he's been dead for two centuries, or I'd kill him.

Not that I'd ever condone animal abuse it's just interesting to see what used to be acceptable when we were so "enlightened"

golentan

2010-03-16, 08:26 PM

Not that I'd ever condone animal abuse it's just interesting to see what used to be acceptable when we were so "enlightened"

I have an overdeveloped protection reflex and a slight tendency to veer towards the hyperbolic.

I wouldn't actually kill him. I would, however, write him sternly worded letters and liberate any cats I found attached to such a device. That just crosses the line, in so many ways.

Besides, you can't even get a consistent tone from a cat. There's a reason that "torturing cats" is code for playing horribly. :smalleek: And I just realized who's probably to blame for that turn of phrase.

Vulkarius

2010-03-16, 10:35 PM

I have an overdeveloped protection reflex and a slight tendency to veer towards the hyperbolic.

I wouldn't actually kill him. I would, however, write him sternly worded letters and liberate any cats I found attached to such a device. That just crosses the line, in so many ways.

Besides, you can't even get a consistent tone from a cat. There's a reason that "torturing cats" is code for playing horribly. :smalleek: And I just realized who's probably to blame for that turn of phrase.

nothing wrong with wanting to defend the defenseless. Someone has to do it. Whether it be cats trapped in a piano or... I was going somewhere with this. Sometimes it's awkward when you learn where phrases came from... And why you never use them again. i.e. Rule of thumb.

EDIT: nevermind the rule of thumb crack. Apparently I was given the wrong info.

Kneenibble

2010-03-16, 11:03 PM

That's sick and horrible.

What's worse, though, is that that kind of tragic exploitation of animals for music continues even today. See this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9nGyPz9uT0&feature=related). *disturbing content warning*

Mathis

2010-03-16, 11:37 PM

I have a question for you musical geeks out there. This is probably the best thread to post this is in since it's about obscure musical instruments and some of you folks seem pretty educated about these things.

There is a musical instrument used alot in theme-music in both video-games and tv-shows and movies, usually middle-eastern og eastern-european styled. I've tried to identify it by ear but I'm stuck between it being some kind of flute or trumpet. What Im looking for is the exact name of the instrument cause I really love the sound and would like to find some pieces dedicated purely to it's sound.

Anyway here's a sample for you, though not easily accesible. Consider it a quest :smallsmile:. In Firefly (The Series), in the episode called War Stories, right in the beginning (On my dvd it starts at 1 minute and 55 seconds into the episode), when the scene switches from the Serenity to the Space Station that Niska owns, the music plays featuring this instrument heavily as it's main sound, you'll know what I mean if you can find it. This is the clearest bit I've found. There are some other scenes featuring it but not as prominently or clearly.

I also have a clip on youtube here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTGyAIwrPxk&feature=PlayList&p=5C4C09ABCD7603EA&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=31). The instrument Im looking for starts playing at 1 minute and 25 seconds and ends at 1 minute and 40 seconds. It plays again at 1.56 to 2.24.

It definately sounds like some sort of wind instrument, but I wan't it's name. Thanks in advance!

golentan

2010-03-16, 11:43 PM

I think you're looking for the Bloul: AKA the Duduk or Armenian Flute.

Kneenibble

2010-03-16, 11:48 PM

golentan

2010-03-17, 12:04 AM

Really?

It just sounds like a sampled clarinet to me, it definitely has the texture of a reed -- at least in the proffered Youtube clip.

edit Ah, found it. It's called a duduk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Z3TfEGGk7Y). Knew I heard a reed. (cause isn't a bloul more like a recorder?)

I thought the Duduk and the Bloul were the same... I listed the Duduk as an Alias, but it looks like it's the proper name and the Bloul is a separate instrument. Whoops. Egg on my face.

THAC0

2010-03-17, 12:54 AM

I was at the store today and picked up a pocket native american flute - convenient, as I'm teaching a quick lesson on it tomorrow to some of my kids.

Of course, since I got it so cheap, it's not super nice. The fetish is glued on, which makes it hard for me to check the construction out. But it is made of cedar and smells really nice!

Mathis

2010-03-17, 09:01 AM

Great! Thanks everyone! Armenian, huh. For some reason that sound has always conjured up images of vast, empty arabian sand-dunes for me.

Gem Flower

2010-03-17, 09:50 AM

I play that fife! Very badly :smallbiggrin:

Vulkarius

2010-03-17, 02:51 PM

Occasional Sage

2010-03-17, 03:08 PM

Wish I could afford one :/ Saw it on antique roadshow once and I fell in love. Not...that I watch it or anything.

I'm on a budget myself. If you're moderately crafty, you can get a kit (http://larkinthemorning.com/products/kit142)from a very good company for less than half the price. Lark sells really fantastic stuff.

TheThan

2010-03-17, 03:20 PM

My dad plays the banjo, the mandolin, the trumpet (though not as much, long story behind that), dabbles a bit in guitar and piano, and sings. We were going to get my dad an organ grinder but their quite expensive and you have to get the dancing monkey separately.

I have a harmonica that I don’t play nearly as much as I should, and my brother has a recorder and like me, he doesn’t really play it. I would love a concertina and a pair of silver spoons so I can play the spoons.

Vulkarius

2010-03-17, 03:46 PM

I'm on a budget myself. If you're moderately crafty, you can get a kit (http://larkinthemorning.com/products/kit142)from a very good company for less than half the price. Lark sells really fantastic stuff.

Hey there's an extra zero in that price! Was my first thought. I would love to save up for one. My goal is to learn a new instrument every summer. This year it's a celo. Maybe one year when I get a real job a hurdy gurdy. I can dream!