Obscure Musical Instruments of the World Quiz

Answer: Alphorn

The alphorn can be as long as 8 feet. Its makers would search, often for months, trying to find a tree that was tall and straight and then had a sudden bend. Softwood was usually used, such as pine or spruce. The alp horn was used for making music, calling herds of sheep and goats home, and for communication in some of the most mountainous regions of Switzerland.

In the right conditions the sound from these horns can be heard for many miles.

Answer: Metal pots

The reyong is a wooden frame that sits horizontally about 1 foot from the ground. It has metal pots of varying sizes that are suspended upside down from the frame. It its played with cloth covered mallets. The pots can be removed and played solo like a drum. It is found on the island of Bali.

Answer: Omnitonic horn

The omnitonic horn came about in 1815. Made by J.B. DuPont of Paris, the use of the slide was meant to give the horn more range and pitch. The slide was not used while playing, but to tune the instrument before each use. Because of its heavy weight, this horn did not gain wide acceptance. Valved horns which were lighter replaced the omnitonic horn in the mid 19th century.

Answer: Gemshorn

Gemshorns are similar to recorders and penny whistles in the way that they make their sound. A gemshorn can be made from the horns of many different types of animals. Buffalo, antelope, deer, and cattle have all been used. Holes are bored out and at the larger end a fipple plug is attached. Each gemshorn has a unique sound since no two horns are exactly alike.

Answer: Horn of Gondor

The Horn of Gondor is carried by Boromir the son of Denethor. It was destroyed by Orcs in the novel "The Fellowship of The Rings".

Answer: Luray Caverns U.S.A.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ found in the Luray Cavern in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia is the world's largest musical instrument. 3 and 1/2 acres of stalactites are used to produce tones when they are lightly tapped by mallets with rubber tips. It is a one of a kind instrument and was built into the caverns in 1954. The acoustics are amazing!

Answer: Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin created the Glass Armonica in 1761. It is played using the same principle used when you run your moistened finger around the edge of a wineglass to make a noise. It is played from a sitting position as if you are playing a piano. Mozart so loved the sound of this instrument that he wrote two pieces of work to be played exclusively on it.

Answer: Violin

"The Hammer" violin made by Antonio Stradivari in the late 17Th century was sold for 3.5 million dollars to an unnamed bidder. Many of the 600 or so Stradivari violins rank among the world's most valued instruments because of their sound quality.

Answer: saxophone

A soprillo is also called a piccolo saxophone. It plays a full octave above any other saxophone and is made in Germany. As with many musical instruments that play at extreme octaves, its use in written music is very limited.

Answer: guitar

The Pikasso is a guitar with 4 necks, 2 sound holes, and 42 strings. It can be played acoustically or electronically. It is a custom made instrument and there is only one of them. You have to see it to believe it!