String Instruments Shamisen: History, Characteristics, Sound, and How to Play 30 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The shamisen, also known as the three-stringed samisen, is a chordophone belonging to the lute family, as described in lute. Its origins can be traced to Western Asia. Some historical sources indicate that it was imported from China to Japan. The shamisen is derived from another Asian instrument, also popular in China, which was known […] Read more »
Guitar String Instruments Cigar Box Guitar: A Story of Unconventional Guitars 29 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The origins of cigar box guitars are uncertain, but it is believed that they were created in the 19th century in the United States, probably by poor musicians and street guitarists who could not afford a traditional guitar. Cigar boxes were readily available, and for this reason, they were used as resonators to build these […] Read more »
String Instruments Mandocello: History, Characteristics, Sound, and How to Play 28 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The mandoloncello, also known as the modern and singable lute, mandocello in English-speaking countries, is often revisited for its ease of use and beautiful timbre, able to catch the attention of guitarists looking for something more experimental than usual. It is larger than the mandolin and represents the baritone of the family, although we should […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones Didgeridoo: History and Sound of Aboriginal Culture 27 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The didgeridoo is a musical instrument originating from Australia that has spread worldwide, becoming an icon of Aboriginal culture. But did you know that this wind instrument was also used for therapeutic purposes and has been discovered in caves dating back over 40,000 years? This unique instrument has been played for generations by Aboriginal Australians […] Read more »
Percussion Instruments Vibraphone: History, Characteristics, Sound, and How to Play 26 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The vibraphone is a unique and fascinating musical instrument capable of creating a warm and enveloping sound that captures the attention of anyone who listens to it. Its history is quite interesting, as it was invented in 1921 by an American mechanical engineer named Henry Schluter. His original intention was to modify and elevate a […] Read more »
String Instruments Sitar: History, Characteristics, Sound, and How to Play 24 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The sitar is a musical instrument originating from India that has conquered the world with its captivating melody and unique beauty. It is also considered the most famous and well-known of the Indian musical instruments. Have you ever wondered how it’s played or what its origins are? In this article, you will discover everything you […] Read more »
Percussion Instruments Djembé: History, Characteristics, and How to Play 24 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The djembe is a musical instrument originating from West Africa that has conquered the entire world in recent decades. With its characteristic pear shape and skin stretched over a wooden frame, it represents a versatile and powerful percussion instrument that can be played in many different ways. But what makes the djembe so special? First […] Read more »
String Instruments Violone: History, Characteristics, and Sound 23 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS The violone is one of the oldest instruments in the string family. It is a form of viola da gamba with six strings, often considered the precursor to all modern six-string instruments. Its origin is uncertain, but from the 16th century onwards, it became one of the most popular instruments in concert orchestras, ballrooms, and […] Read more »
Percussion Instruments Timpani or Kettledrums: History, Characteristics, Sound, and How to Play 22 January 2023 / 2 January 2025 by Team HmS Arriving in Europe with the Crusades, the timpani is a particular type of drum consisting of a hemispherical bowl-shaped body with a membrane stretched over it, which is struck with two beaters. Unlike most membranophones, the timpani has a fixed pitch and can be tuned to specific pitches using special pedals. Capable of both rhythmic […] Read more »
Amplification and Electronic Musical Instruments Musical Synthesizers: History, Evolution, and Characteristics of Synths 22 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS Musical synthesizers, also known as Synths, have come a long way since their inception at the end of the 19th century. Today, they are more powerful and affordable than ever, and are used in all musical genres. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, a synthesizer can be a valuable tool for creating unique […] Read more »
