When we think of musical instruments, wood violins and cellos, metal flutes and trumpets immediately come to our minds. But there are musical instruments made of various materials with different shapes and colors. These instruments are not a contemporary invention. See some examples of antique musical instruments that were already very different.

Acoustic metal bass

Ukulelê

Clarinets and saxophones made of PVC pipe

Rattle made with coffee strainer and PET bottle caps (Reciclagem Cultural-Rio das Ostras)

Taskin harpsichord, 1782, copy of the Music Museum of Portugal

Taskin harpsicord painting detail

Aquarium Guitar

Violin painted by Julie Borden

The violin above is a decorative object as it was not made to be played. Another example of a decorative musical instrument is this aquarium guitar. See how unusual it is:

Early 18th century violin made of ceramics, item in the RIJKSMUSEUM Amsterdam collection

In short, musical instruments can be amazing!

Reference list:

Metal Double Bass: https://youtu.be/PpKKUB6TaVo

Ukulele: https://www.etsy.com/pt/listing/257086244/galaxynebula-design-ukulele?ref=shop_home_active_2

Julie Borden’s Violin: https://recriararte.wordpress.com/2009/12/14/musica-classica-e-chata/

Rattle made from recycled material: http://reciclagemculturalriodasostras.blogspot.com.br/2012_03_01_archive.html

Saxophones and clarinets made from PVC pipe: http://www.materiaincognita.com.br/saxofones-e-clarinetes-artesanais-feitos-com-tubos-e-conexoes-de-pvc/

Taskin Clavichord: http://www.matriznet.dgpc.pt/MatrizNet/Objectos/ObjectosConsultar.aspx?IdReg=40849

Tin-glazed earthenware violin: https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/en/search/objects?q=violin&p=1&ps=12&ii=1#/BK-NM-12400-91,1

Aquarium guitar: http://coffeelovinmom.tumblr.com/post/44123976020/liyahetman-guitar-aquarium