August 24 is International Strange Music Day, so what better way to celebrate than to learn a new instrument while many of us are still in lockdown?
If you’re anything like me, then lockdown has probably seen you take on a whole bunch of new activities – for me, it’s been everything from trying to learn French to going all out on art supplies in my dire pursuit to get better at drawing.
But one extra fun way to pass the time in yet another lockdown is to learn an instrument – but not just any instrument, something straight-up peculiar or uncommon – so that once this madness ends you not only have a new skill but a great new party trick to show off.
So in celebration of International Strange Music Day, we’re rounding up some of the strangest instruments you can nab online if you want to dive into the world of weird music (and annoy your neighbours at the same time).
Stylophone Retro Pocket Synth
This miniature stylus operated synthesizer is a recreation of the 1967 classic used by such iconic musicians as David Bowie, Kraftwerk and Erasure.
It’s super simple to use – all you need to do is remove the pen and tap any key for classic synth sound. There’s also a switch to add vibrato choose from one of three different retro organ type sounds.
The tuning knob on the bottom allows you to tune the Stylophone or do pitch-bend effects, and it features a built-in speaker with volume control, along with an optional headphone jack.
Price: $58.60
Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
Tibetan Singing Bowls are a type of bell that vibrates and produces a rich, deep tone when played.
They’ve long been used across the world for yoga, meditation and spiritual healing, as it’s said that the sounds generated by it are a type of energy medicine that promotes healing from stress disorders, pain, depression and more.
Plus, the sounds are super relaxing so you likely won’t piss off everyone in your household.
Price: $30.99
Foot Tambourine
Liven up any performance with this adorable little foot tambourine! It’s light and versatile, but not overpowering, delivering a sensitive accompaniment to any musical setting.
A useful instrument for timekeepers, guitar players and vocalists who hope to add a splash of percussive colour to their music.
The stainless steel jingles provide a bright, shimmering accent that (according to the listing) blend perfectly with the volume of a Cajon, Djembe, Bongos, or Congas.
Price: $44.04
Kalimba Thumb Piano
Also known as the African thumb piano or mbira, the kalimba produces a wide variety of entertaining sounds in a small, handheld instrument.
This miniature version includes a bag for your kalimba, a wood stand, tuning hammer, a study booklet and wiping cloths.
Price: $87.25
Chilean Rain Stick
A rainstick is a long, hollow tube partially filled with small pebbles or beans that has small pins or thorns arranged helically on its inside surface. When the stick is upended, the pebbles fall to the other end of the tube, bouncing off the internal protrusions to create a sound reminiscent of falling rain.
Traditionally, South American rain sticks are most often made from cacti (like this one), while the Huichol tribe of Mexico uses hollow reeds to make their rain sticks. West African tribes, such as the Togo and Pangwe, have made rain sticks from bamboo or reeds.
Price:$95.89
Ukulele
Get the island vibes flowing this lockdown by learning the ukelele!
A small, guitar-like instrument, the ukelele was first introduced to Hawaii by Portuguese immigrants from Madeira.
This beginner’s kit has everything you need to get started on your ukelele popstar career, including a case, a strap, a tuning machine and a guide on how to play.
Price: $79.99
Persian Sitar
The sitar is a stringed instrument of the lute family that is popular in northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It was famously used by The Beatles, who were the first Western rock band to use the sitar on a commercial recording.
This 86cm sitar comes with a soft case and extra strings and is bound to be the centre of attention at your next party (whenever we’re allowed to do that again).
Price: $334.13
