Guitar String Instruments Mandolone: History, Characteristics, and Sound 22 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS The mandolone, almost exclusive to the Neapolitan tradition, has undergone a gradual and inexorable decline. This is because the pieces written for its players are few and not uniquely attributable. Almost all ancient transcriptions for mandolone are part of arrangements made for mandolins orchestras, and thus the bass version of the mandola is not considered […] Read more »
String Instruments Berimbau: History and Characteristics 20 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS The berimbau or birimbao is an acoustic musical instrument of African origin, specifically from the regions of Angola, where it has other tribal names. Its fame is linked to its widespread use in street music, particularly in Brazil, where it was brought by African slaves. It is used as an accompaniment for singing in some […] Read more »
String Instruments Celtic Harp: History, Sound, and Characteristics 20 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS Few instruments, like the Celtic harp, are surrounded by such an almost esoteric aura: the Celtic harp boasts two thousand years of history and a thousand years of written tradition, along with a unique social meaning. This musical instrument differs from a regular harp due to its small levers, called levers, replacing the classic pedal […] Read more »
String Instruments Playing the Ukulele: History, Characteristics, and Prices 17 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS The ukulele is an extraordinary instrument, with a fascinating history and an impressive sound. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a unique and fun way to entertain themselves or others.We will talk about the history of the ukulele, its characteristics, the sound it produces, and how to play it. What is the Ukulele? A musical […] Read more »
Amplification and Electronic Musical Instruments Moog Synthesizers: History and Characteristics 17 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS Moog has always been a reference brand for professional keyboardists and electronic music enthusiasts worldwide. Moog synthesizers are renowned for their build quality, versatility, and, most importantly, their unique and distinctive sound. Many world-famous artists and bands have used these iconic instruments in their performances, contributing to the brand’s popularity and respect within the music […] Read more »
String Instruments Koto: History, Characteristics, and Sound 17 January 2023 / 1 January 2025 by Team HmS The koto is a chordophone derived from the Guzheng, an ancient traditional Chinese instrument. Its history is fascinating and intricate, and its design is highly elegant. It was introduced to Japan during the Nara period, between 710 and 784. Since then, the instrument gained immense popularity in the country and quickly became a recurring element […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones The Bandoneon: The Sound of Tradition from Germany to Latin America 16 January 2023 / 31 December 2024 by Team HmS The bandoneon is a bellows instrument similar to a concertina and partly to the accordion. It was developed in the 19th century by the German musician Heinrich Band, from whom it takes its name. Band, a well-known organist, designed the bandoneon in 1852 to have a small, easily transportable instrument with a sound resembling a […] Read more »
Amplification and Electronic Musical Instruments The Hammond Organ: The Sound and the Invention of a Genius 14 January 2023 / 31 December 2024 by Team HmS The Hammond Organ takes its name from its “father,” the brilliant engineer and inventor Laurens Hammond, who, at 14 years old, approached Renault with a design for an automatic gear mechanism he had developed. Although the French automaker rejected his proposal, Hammond was undeterred, fully aware of his extraordinary abilities. Laurens Hammond can undoubtedly be […] Read more »
Wind Instruments and Aerophones Piva: History and Sound of the Emilian Bagpipe 13 January 2023 / 31 December 2024 by Team HmS The term piva is used in some Italian regions to indicate a specific type of bagpipe. In certain cases, it may be associated with the zampogna or the ensemble of pipes that comprise it.This instrument is typical of Emilia Romagna, particularly in the Appenine areas of Parma and Piacenza provinces, specifically in the Nure and […] Read more »
Guitar String Instruments Baritone Guitar: History, How It’s Made, and How to Play 13 January 2023 / 31 December 2024 by Team HmS The baritone guitar is essentially a guitar with a longer scale length, allowing it to be tuned lower than traditional guitars. Visually, it doesn’t differ much from a regular acoustic or electric guitar, but sonically, it provides a deeper register, bridging soul-blues and classical music. Iconic for its sound in spaghetti western films, the baritone […] Read more »
