An instrument is simply a device made or adapted to produce sounds. In simple terms, any movable object that makes sound is considered to be an instrument-it’s only function is through action that the object turns into an instrument. An individual who plays an instrument is called an instrumentalist.
One of the earliest types of instruments is the trumpet: The tube, which is a cone-shaped body with a long stem and neck, has tubes or flaps at its ends. The trumpet was found in Egypt around 3000 B.C., and the origins of the trumpet are uncertain. However, it is most commonly associated with European music of the Renaissance era.
Another type of musical instruments is the lute. Also known as a banjo, a lute looks similar to the trumpet, but is much smaller. It usually has a body made of wood, but hollow places for the strings to attach themselves to. The strings are wrapped around wooden pegs or bars attached to the body in a particular pattern. These instruments are well known in America, where they are often referred to as fiddles.
Next is the clarinet: Similar to the eulogy instrument, the clarinet looks similar to the tuba, a kind of small wind instrument that played in the orchestra. However, it has a deep, mellow sound that is ideal for choral works. The name is derived from the Latin word for “flute,” and while this type of instrument was commonly used as a wind instrument during the Renaissance, it was also used to create music for the oboe during the days of the oboist, and the baroque. In recent times, the clarinet is primarily used in the concert violin ensemble, as well as in other types of stringed instruments, including the sitar, tympanis, cello, and flute.
Other musical instruments: include the alto-fret, bass clarinet, bassoons, tambourines, and the recorder. The alto-fret is a short, thin wind instrument that measures about 17 inches high and is similar in appearance to the recorder. Its main function is to sound the bass notes. The bass clarinet is a bit larger, being about one and a half feet high, and is played by either a bassoon or a tambourine player. The tambourine is not a common instrument today, as its use was limited to Europe in the early to mid-nineteenth century due to its size, which was too cumbersome to be used on the open streets.
Some musical instruments are made by hand: but many instruments are manufactured by factory machinery. In general, all new musical instruments are hand-wired or “built-in,” and instruments purchased from a dealer will generally have all of their connections professionally completed by an experienced electrician. If you plan on purchasing a pre-packaged instrument, be sure that the package includes all necessary connections and paperwork.
Also, make sure that the dealer or seller offers a warranty on their workmanship.