Few things show human creativity and the primal need for self expression quite like the evolution of musical instruments. From early percussion and simple flutes, we’ve progressed to the multitude and diversity of musical instruments we have today. And while its true many of these instruments haven’t changed significantly in hundreds of years, that doesn’t mean innovation isn’t happening every day. The 21st century has so far proven to be a time of rapid change, both culturally and technologically. Those changes have been felt in the realm of music, and have ushered in a variety of new instruments; many of which blend the richness of traditional music with the expanding possibilities of modern technology.
Dip your toes into the amazing array of new instruments invented in the last quarter century.
8 Brand New Instruments
Harpejji
Invented in 2007 by Tim Meeks, the harpejji was born out of the desire to blend the versatility of the piano with the feel of a guitar. Played by tapping the strings, which are laid out across a flat board, the this new instrument offers a sound that is somehow both familiar and strikingly innovative.
One of the more interesting aspects of this instrument is due to is similarities to both piano and guitar, as well as its intuitive playing style, musicians of both instruments pick it up quickly. It is laid out similarly to a keyboard, but played vertically, which allows for more sustained notes and vibratos.
Glissonic Glissotar
The Glissonic glissotar, remaining a somewhat obscure new instrument, is essentially a wind instrument that utilizes a “glissando” effect as its key feature; a smooth, unbroken glide from one pitch to another, much more common to strings. This combination of elements creates a fluid, continuous tone that challenges traditional musical breaks.
This innovative new instrument also includes electronically modified sound outputs. This enables a huge range of expressive creativity. Musicians can change timbre, pitch, and even sound dynamics in real time.
Seaboard
Unveiled in 2013, the Seaboard is the next evolution of the traditional piano keyboard. Featuring a soft, unbroken silicone surface that responds to the lightest touch, this new instrument offers musicians the ability to modulate sound in three directions: striking, pressing, and gliding across the keys. With this design, glide and vibrato become integral to the sound.
The tactile keyboard is said to align more closely with human touch, which allows more a direct and emotional connection to the instrument. For the forward-looking musician, the seaboard blends digital synthesis with the more organic and naturalistic feel of an acoustic instrument.
AlphaSphere
The AlphaSphere, made available in 2012, offers a new way for electronic musicians to create their sound. Designed with pressure-sensitive pads arranged in a sphere, it requires consideration of touch, pressure, and spatial awareness. Each of the AlphaSphere’s pads can be programmed to trigger sounds, loops, or effects, creating an extremely personallized musical experience. This personalization makes it ideal for electronic music creators to like to build layers of sound in real time.
Furthermore, the tactile design of this new instrument encourages creativity by breaking free from the confines of the mixing desk.
Eigenharp
Revealed in 2009, the Eigenharp combines elements of a variety of traditional instruments into one incredible device. Blending a keyboard layout with a series of touch strips and a breath controller, this new instrument is akin to a full orchestra in one. What’s more, it can switch from one sound or instrument to another seamlessly. This incredible instrument can play hundreds of sounds, loop layers, and manipulate effect, all in real time. This versatility allows the Eigenharp to challenge what we think of as the traditional boundaries between electronic and acoustic music.
Venova
The Venova, released by Yama in 2017, is somewhat lower-tech than some of the other new instruments on this list. Combining the ease of recorder-like fingerings with a rich, expansive sound of a saxophone, the Venova is accessible for musicians of all skill and experience. Additionally, the instrument is specifically designed to be portable and easy to play and maintain. It is made from high quality resin, making it resistant to both weather and impact.
The Venova’s unique design and distinct sound have also earned it praise from the music community. Among these accolades, a prestigious design award.
GuitarViol
Another low-tech new instrument, the GuitarViol combines the guitar and cello. First appearing in the early 21st century, this stringed instrument is bowed like a cello, but features frets like a guitar. The combination of these features creates a unique blend of sound. And going further, the blended design creates opportunities for crossover techniques; guitarists can dive into the resonant qualities of bowed strings, while cellists can explore fretted playing.
Acting as a bridge between classical and contemporary music and musicians, the GuitarViol is crafted to meet the needs of both. This instrument allows for a wide range of expression, from melancholic and reserved, to the bold and dynamic strikes of rock and roll.
Hang Drum
Resembling a flying saucer, the hang drum was developed by Swiss inventors Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer in 2000. The distinctive steel drum is played with the hands by tapping on the dented surface areas to create different tones. The sound is deeply resonant and soothing. In fact, this new instrument is often used in music therapy, meditation and ambient music performances. The hang drum was inspired by the steelpan, but hedges towards a softer, more harmonious tone.
Final Thoughts on New Instruments
Music is always changing, and musicians are always pushing the boundaries of how they can best express themselves. If there is one constant in the world of music and musical instruments, it is that something is always changing; always evolving.
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