You really do not need to invest major dollars to purchase and learn a musical instrument. The following list is a trip around the musical globe from all corners of the world. Folk music by nature is roots and community based and many of the items on this list were originally hand-fashioned and often made by the players themselves. The rise in interest of many folkloric music styles plus modern manufacturing methods means there are plenty of options available and you really do not need to invest major dollars to purchase and learn a musical instrument.
Yamaha YRS-24B Recorder - check it out here
The common or garden “school” recorder can be a decisive instrument with some claiming early recorder classes put them off learning a musical instrument for life while others claim is it the gateway to the woodwind or brass family of instruments and beyond. The recorder first appeared in Europe in the middle ages and its pure tone and shared fingering with the clarinet and saxophone makes it the perfect instrument to begin playing. Lightweight, portable and affordable, the recorder remains a popular instrument in schools and for private teaching today.
Discover our range of Recorders.
CPK Egg Shaker - check it out here
The egg shaker or ganza originated in South America and is the cheapest instrument on our list. It’s a perfect percussion instrument for any groove based style. Singers can join the rhythm section party with ease as it is played with one hand. The egg shaker is also an obvious choice for early learners as it fits easily into the palm of any hand allowing for the development of rhythm and groove at an early age.
Discover our range of Tambourines and Shakers.
Hohner Silver Star Harmonica in C - check it out here
The blues or folk harmonica is the one of the most well recognised and popular “roots” style instruments. Blues, country, folk and even pop styles have all benefited from its expressive and unique sound. This is a diatonic instrument meaning it belongs in a particular key and other harmonicas need to be used for songs with different keys. Purchasing your first harmonica in the key of C is recommend as most learn to play books or videos use C as a starting point.
Discover our range of Harmonicas.
Ashton UKE110 Ukulele with Bag in Mahogany - check it out here
The ukulele is of Portuguese origin and was embraced by Hawaiians in the late 19th century. When used in combination with Polynesian vocals and harmony it creates a magical sound instantly transporting you to the islands. Today ukulele groups are everywhere and used to play almost any style of music. Ukuleles are relatively easy to play and are a perfect introduction to any musical journey. They now have begun to rival the recorder in classrooms worldwide as the go to for early music education.
Discover our range of Ukuleles.
MCI 8.5" Deluxe Black Cowbell - check it out here
Originally cowbells contained clappers and were placed around the necks of cows to identify the location of free roaming herds. In Latin America, Africa and the Caribbean the clapper was removed and hit with a stick in different areas to produce different sounds and rhythms. Today cowbells are commonly used in a variety of contemporary styles including rock and pop. Everybody knows the phrase “more cowbell” and now is your chance to give it your best shot.
Discover our range of Cowbells and Blocks.
Mano MEL32GN Melodica in Green - check it out here
A keyboard is still the best way to discover how music works and the melodica has two or three octaves of the keyboard to explore. The sound is produced by blowing into a mouthpiece or via an extension tube for player comfort positioning the instrument away from your head. The melodica originated in Italy and although the sound is associated with an accordion it is lightweight, durable, portable and can be used in a wide variety of styles.
Discover our range of Melodicas.
AMS Jaw Harp - check it out here
The jaw harp has a multitude of names and although its originsare in China, its use spans across Asia, Europe and the United States. Probably best known here for cartoon sound effects featuring a boing or a bounce or an archetypical Appalachian folk sound, the jaw harp is a ancient and versatile instrument dating back to the 3rd century BC. This is an instrument that is simple but not easy and its applications are endless with bands such as the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, the Beach Boys and The Who all using its unique tone on selected recordings.
Clarke Sweetone Tin Whistle - check it out here
The tin whistle, flageolet or penny whistle is closely related to the recorder and like the Jaw harp is ancient with one primitive example from Slovenia dating back to around 80000 BC. Like blues harmonicas, modern tin whistles are usually tuned to a particular key most commonly D. Modern tin whistles are mainly associated with Celtic music and have a range of two octaves. Although relatively simple in design, tin whistles allow for a large number of ornamentation techniques creating a variety of sounds and stylistic characteristics.
Discover the Clarke Tin Whistle.
Mahalo 17 Note Hollow body Kalimba - check it out here
The Kalimba is the modern name given to the Mbira, an ancient Zimbabwean percussion instrument which has metal tines that are plucked over a resonant wooden chamber. The Kalimba has a wonderful pure sound particularly after the initial attack and has a unique complexity due to the other tines vibrating sympathetically with the note being plucked. Traditional tunings are not closely associated to western tempered scales, however, many modern kalimba models are tuned to more familiar scales and modes and can be fine-tuned by adjusting the length of each tine. If you are after a magical and exotic sound this one may be just for you.
Discover our range of Kalimbas, Tongue Drums and Pans.
Stagg Metal Kazoo - check it out here
Ok, we have saved the best till last, all you need to do is to be able to reasonably hum in tune into the bigger end of this instrument and you are good to go. Believed to have been invented in America around the mid-1850’s the Kazoo has a membrane that vibrates from the hum and produces its characteristic sound. The perfect gift to give to your nieces and nephews or anyone else as long as they are out of earshot.
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