Exotic Instruments For Authenticity And Style

Harmonic Tradition: Ouds Couple
Photo by eltoro80

Exotic instruments bring a unique flair and flavor to many types of musical compositions. They can add authenticity to a piece, capturing the essence of a specific time or region. Moreover, they can produce sounds that are not achievable with a standard repertoire of instruments. Three examples of such instruments include the oud, the saz, and the hurdy-gurdy.

The oud is predominantly used in Middle Eastern and North African music. It is a stringed instrument believed by some to have been invented by the grandson of Adam from the Bible. Pictorial evidence dating back over 5000 years has been discovered and is displayed in museums worldwide.

The history of the oud is rich in Mesopotamia, with almost every historical Middle Eastern or Mediterranean civilization incorporating it into their musical traditions. The ancient oud has transformed into the modern version used today. While it exhibits regional variations, certain features remain consistent, such as its eleven strings, fretted neck, and signature bowl-shaped body that enhances resonance.

The saz, also known as the baglama, is popular in the Near East, Central Asia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. It is commonly employed in Turkish music and is the most recognized stringed folk instrument in the country.

The saz consists of three main components: the bowl, the neck, and the soundboard. It typically has seven strings, with the soundboard made of spruce and the bowl made of spruce, mulberry wood, beech, or juniper. The neck is usually constructed from juniper or beech.

The hurdy-gurdy is known by various names, including the wheel fiddle. It produces a sound reminiscent of bagpipes by rubbing a cranked wheel against its strings. This rubbing action generates a continuous and even-pitched sound. The instrument’s design varies by region, lacking a standardized shape. The two primary body styles are the bowl and the traditional guitar Traditional Guitar Tuning - The traditional guitar tuning is a crucial aspect of most guitars. The Open G-string in this tuning is effective due to the versatility it offers musicians when playing. Practicing this guitar tuning is beneficial for various keys and is also ideal for other techniques, such as playing bass lines and virtually any other musical devices.… shape.

The hurdy-gurdy has a strong tradition in Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary, Ukraine, Poland, and Belarus. It is often featured at folk festivals alongside folk dancing Trance Music - Free Flowing Electronica - Have you ever found yourself dancing in a club, utterly absorbed in the melody, feeling as if the trance music is flowing through you and guiding your body's movements? This is an experience I've had numerous times during carefree nights at local techno clubs I've often wondered which type of techno generates this unforgettable sensation… , showcasing its distinctive sound and captivating presence.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME