Some of the most bizarre instruments in the world!

These bizarre and unique instruments from around the world are absolutely insane! Some you may have heard of, and some probably not. 

Theremin

One produces sound by moving their hands in proximity to two “antennas”. Invented in 1920 by Russian physicist Lev Termen, the Theremin was originally intended for use in classical music. It never caught on as an orchestral instrument, although its popularity got a boost in 1994 when the film ‘Theremin: An Electronic Odyssey’ was released.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ

There are many strange organs out there that use all sorts of materials to produce sound, but one of the best is the great stalacpipe organ. Located in Luray Caverns in the United States, it strikes stalactites tuned to various pitches with rubber mallets. In order to find these perfect pitches, the inventor, Leland W. Sprinkle, tested and shaved the stalactites in this cavern and wired them to the central keyboard. The entire process took three years, and the organ stretches across 14,000 square meters!

Double Contrabass Flute

The flute brings to mind gentle soprano sounds with a silvery finish, but did you know that there are more, bigger members to the flute family? The entire range of a piano can be covered by flutes ranging from the piccolo to the double contrabass flute. This 8-foot tall monster consists of 5.5 meters of tubing, sounds much like a foghorn, and is super rare.

Zeusaphone a.k.a. The Thoramin

Don’t let the punny name fool you into thinking this is a tame instrument. The appropriately named Zeusaphone or Thoramin actually plays music with lightning. It’s essentially a plasma speaker that works by modulating the spark output of a Tesla coil, creating a shocking effect. This instrument easily wins in the categories of best name and most terrifying listening experience.

Hurdy-gurdy

Evolved out of an instrument called the organistrum, which similarly produces sound through the friction of a wheel against tight strings. There are typically six strings on the hurdy-gurdy – three melody strings, two ‘drone’ strings, and one ‘trompette’ string. The melody strings are engaged when a key is pressed, while the drone strings are constant notes that play as you turn the crank. The trompette string is triggered by the crank, allowing the player to intonate rhythm with a higher-pitched buzz.

Funny musical instruments that need to be taken seriously and part of an orchestra

Hornucopian Dronepipe is a 3D printed wind instrument designed by MONAD studio in collaboration with Scott F. Hall. Hornucopian Dronepipe is a 3D printed wind instrument designed by MONAD studio in collaboration with Scott F. Hall. The dronepipe is one of the 5 instruments of the installation, which is actually called ‘MULTI’. The installation is comprised of five individual 3D-printed instruments:

• 2-string piezoelectric violin
• 1-string electric travel bass guitar called a monobarasitar
• 1-string piezoelectric monovioloncello
• Small didgeridoo
• Hornucopian

The five instruments are all constructed via 3D printing. These are played by three musicians. Its framework is a 3D-printed 5m x 2m sonic environment.  Each instrument can snugly fit into a unique contour, it is also a musical instrument as a whole that produces a drone. 

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing has been used to create not only the diverse range of unique musical instruments but also the physical habitat in which the instruments are housed and by which the performance takes place.

This is where 3D2GO comes in.

Print your funny and bizarre 3d musical instrument idea

Inspired by these out-of-this-world instruments? You can continue the fun with 3D2GO! As these are rare finds in any store that sells musical instruments, we can help you have your own. And yes, it would perfectly play music. 

We will surely give you a wide array of more conventional instruments. 

Read other articles for more information for your personalized 3D printed ideas. 

Or you can get in touch with us by sending us files in .obj or .stil format in our email address management@my3d.com.ph.  You can also reach us through our Facebook and Instagram pages today!