Whether it’s humming a tune in your head, hitting a percussive beat on the table, or even singing along, music is something we all love to do to some degree, but not everyone actually pursues it. playing an instrument.
Why? Well, one thing that stops us is that musical instruments can be quite expensive. In fact, even though my very first guitar was an unbranded used electric, it still cost me about $150 and then, of course, about $120 more for the amp and $20 for cables and the ropes.
Luckily nowadays we have modern technology and worldwide delivery so not only is it much cheaper to get musical instruments to try out, but there are some really cool and interesting ones made more accessible by modern production techniques.
So let’s take a look at some cool instruments that you can buy for cheap.
Pocket synth
Retro Pocket Synth Stylophone
If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s synthwave music but didn’t die of a drug overdose, then this little instrument should be right up your alley. Rather than having to buy an expensive mono or polysynth, you get this little baby, with two octaves to play, and the ability to move up and down a set of octaves as well.
It’s also deceptively simple, but you can do a lot if you’re willing to take the time to master it. Find out what a possible career as a Stylophone player has in store for you.
Ocarina
Deekec Zelda Ocarina 12 Hole Alto C with Song Book
Deekec Zelda Ocarina 12 holes
Deekec
amazon.com
$26.99
Yes, it’s Zelda’s instrument. No, it’s not something someone found in the game because they thought it was cool. It’s a real wind instrument, and it’s been around much longer than “Zelda” (the game) (I don’t know how old that name is). In fact, some believe it is 12,000 years old. Take that, “Ocarina of Time” link!
Oh, and there’s a 6-hole ocarina if you think the 12-hole one is a bit too complicated for you. It’s a great way to start before moving on to more advanced ones.
Steel Tongue Drum
REGIS 8 Note Alloy Steel Tongue Drum with Padded Travel Bag and Mallets
REGIS Alloy Steel Tongue Drum 8 Notes
REGIS
amazon.com
$44.99
If you’ve spent any time on the internet, you’ve probably seen an Instagram or Tik Tok video of someone playing the larger version of these drums. Well, for those who don’t have nearly $500, but still like the sound, this is a cheaper alternative at a tenth of the price.
They still produce a sweet, ethereal sound, and if you’re willing to put in the effort to learn, you can actually create some really sweet music with these.
Otamatone
Otamatone Japanese electronic musical instrument
Otamatone Japanese electronic musical instrument
Otamatone
amazon.com
$34.99
Alright listen, I know this sounds a bit silly at first glance, but it’s a legit instrument that’s been used in actual music. It wasn’t even originally designed as a meme, but as a musical toy, and basically looks like a mini synth or a theremin.
It works quite simply: you slide your finger up and down the rod to control the pitch, then squeeze the mouth to open and produce sound. You can even produce a varied sound depending on how hard you press the mouth, so there are some legit techniques used here.
Kalimba Thumb Piano
Kalimba Mahogany Portable Thumb Piano
Kalimba Thumb Piano 17 Keys Musical Instruments
Shiyinvie
amazon.com
$17.99
It’s the kind of instrument that falls into the same category as the tongue drum and the Ocarina, in that it can produce really sweet sounds and tones. In fact, you can actually pair the instruments together and have fun with them.
Alternatively, the kalimba can function as its own instrument, especially the larger, more sophisticated versions which are decidedly more expensive. You can also get some that are tuned to a different key, similar to how you can with harmonicas, and these are certainly used a lot in music.
Either way, it’s definitely an instrument you can get familiar with and develop skills in.
lyre harp
Ancient Greece style lyre harp with 7 metal strings
Donner Lyre Harp Mahogany
To give
amazon.com
$75.99
You’re probably familiar with the TV trope of a tough movie played as someone reminisces about their past, often in a very comedic context. Well, it’s not exactly that, especially since larger harps can weigh several pounds and cost thousands of dollars. Instead, you get a miniature version of this with 7 strings to start with.
It can work great as a beginner’s harp if you’re interested, and there’s even a 10- and 16-string version. I will say that it’s technically not the same as one of those big harps you might be familiar with, in that a violin and a viola are still different instruments, even though they’re relatively similar.
jaw harp
Jaw harp by MUARO
Jaw Harp by MUARO P.Potkin in a dark wooden box
MUARO
amazon.com
$19.99
This one’s kinda out there, and the name and how it’s used seems a little silly, but don’t let that put you off. It’s actually a pretty simple instrument: you put it in your mouth and pinch a piece of metal, which produces sound in your mouth, using it as a resonating chamber like you would with an acoustic guitar. You then modify the shape of your mouth and throat to produce different heights.
Again, this sounds silly, but it can actually be a lot of fun, especially if you’re just playing with more experienced musicians and want to contribute during the occasional jam. After all, it’s an easy thing to carry in your pocket and take out in a snap!
10 key accordion
MUSICUBE 10 Key Accordion for Children, Solo and Ensemble
MUSICUBE Accordion 10 Keys
MUSIC
Amazon
I guess it’s not technically a weird instrument, other than how weird accordions are in the first place (are they wind instruments? are they string instruments? are they percussion instruments? I can’t say, they’re like the platypus of the instrumental world).
Nonetheless, they’re very cool, and the great thing about these is that they’re small and don’t cost you several thousand dollars. If you’ve ever seen an accordion and always wanted to try one, this is actually a pretty good facsimile and will give you an idea of whether you want to get into it or not.
Melodica
Eastar 37 Key Melodica Soprano Air Piano Keyboard
Soprano Melodica Air Piano
Star
amazon.com
$37.99
Another instrument that’s both 80s/90s and hard to categorize, the Melodica is a fun little instrument to play with. It’s technically not a piano and won’t give you a piano sound, being closer to something like a mix between a flute and a harmonica (which makes sense since you blow into it to make it work).
Nevertheless, it is actually a legitimate instrument, given that it has 37 keys, and therefore 3 octaves to play. You could probably play some cool jazz tunes with this, or at the very least have fun with friends and learn a few. agreements along the way. Also, it’s the instrument they use to play the theme song for “The Office.”
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