Top 20 Weirdest Instruments Episode One

And its not just synths. There's acoustic instruments, outboard effects, software, even toys, in fact anything that looks odd and sounds weird has been considered for the series.

By the way, thanks to everyone who filled out the Top 3 poll (especially the guy who voted for ‘my bumhole’ as the number one weirdest instrument!). All the votes have been considered for the series, as well as choices from the people we interviewed, suggestions from the Sonic staff and a few unexpected surprises thrown in for entertainment value!
All in all it makes for an awesomely eclectic mix of instruments that will lead to some pretty bizarre programmes over the next few months.

In this episode we take a look at chart positions 20 and 19 as well as a whole mess of other weird instruments, gadgets and devices from the outer limits of technology.

As opposed to a regular series, The Top 20 Weirdest Instruments will be an occasional treat with episodes appearing on the site at various times throughout the year. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so that you don’t miss out on a single episode.

Meantime, enjoy the trip as we set off to find the Top 20 Weirdest Instruments of all time…Ever!

Links

• Top 5 Greatest Samplers
• Top 20 Greatest Synths
• Nothing Like Dreaming movie
• Kate Parker voice over artist
• Marc Norris's YouTube channel
• The PAIA company
• The Percy Grainger Society
• Percy Grainger on Wikipedia
• Harald Bode
• warmcircuit.com
• Modified Toy Orchestra on MySpace
• Composer Elliot Simons royalty free music
• Simon Power

OMG!! I want a Fire Organ!! NO - the fire percussion thing!

I wonder if it can be MIDI-retrofitted..? ;)

14-Jan-08 07:09 AM

Yeah, you'd kinda need a large shed to put that in...

Actually, considering the amount of work that must have gone into making it, the noise it made was a little underwhelming. Sort of like a bad hissy whistle...

A great spectacle though

14-Jan-08 07:39 AM

Interesting, but what really bugs me about Sonic State's videos is that:

A) There's the constant reminder of the name of the video, as if they patterned it after a television show.

B) Why not do the video in two parts rather than five or more? Most people are intrigued to the video with a "ahh, that's interesting" vibe, but aren't necessarily going to enjoy the tedium of tuning in every day to see the next two. Longer videos, less parts please!

16-Jan-08 12:50 AM

there's bound to be more branding in the first episode, Dr. Smooth. Personally I think it gives the show a great pace. These guys have taken TV and turned it on its head. I think its just great!

16-Jan-08 05:18 AM

I wonder how many times they burned down the shed when jammin' on the fire organ. Definitly something for Rammstein to take on their next tour.

looking forward to the next episode

16-Jan-08 12:53 PM

"I wonder how many times they burned down the shed when jammin' on the fire organ. Definitly something for Rammstein to take on their next tour"

hahahaha legend!

21-Jan-08 11:47 AM

Are we ever going to get Part 2? It's bad enough 1 was so short, but surely there's enough of the Sonic State crew who aren't at NAMM left to edit and post the next few bits, eh?

26-Jan-08 04:52 AM

Read above, Alcobooze... "As opposed to a regular series, The Top 20 Weirdest Instruments will be an occasional treat with episodes appearing on the site at various times throughout the year. Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter so that you don’t miss out on a single episode." Looks like you will have to wait.

26-Jan-08 07:35 AM

where are the other parts?

30-Jan-08 07:49 AM

wheres part2?

30-Jan-08 07:50 AM

WHERE'S THE NEXT PART? WHERE'S THE NEXT PART? WHERE'S THE NEXT PART?

01-Feb-08 06:23 PM

Hi. Episode 2 is now scheduled for next week. February 14th, in fact (er, my birthday if anyone's interested!). The episode will feature a further 2 chart positions and lots more besides.

08-Feb-08 06:25 AM

What is the name of the spooky guitar track used for the theme song?

10-Feb-08 01:29 PM

Hi there 'E'. It's just called 'The Weirdest Instruments theme tune' and is exclusive to the show.

11-Feb-08 03:27 AM

Wow I had convinced myself it was some obscure 50's track.

It's amazing either way, so great job to whoever made it.

13-Feb-08 10:54 PM

this is great, but why isn't it available in quicktime ?

09-Mar-08 08:44 PM

Very very interesting, thanks.

05-Apr-08 05:24 PM

The spooky guitar theme sounds very much like an alternate instrumental version of lovely head by Goldfrapp. With a different melody. So I imagine Adrian Utley who played guitar on it was maybe involved somewhere.

07-Aug-08 01:43 PM

am i the only one who is being driven mad by the unreliability of these videos, sure they're great when after the 5th refresh it finally buffers..

still the adverts work fine... :(

31-May-09 08:07 AM

Honestly, I think you might be. We havent had any other complaints about this and we usually do if there is a problem. If you want to email me I can try and help figure out what might be causing the problem

04-Jun-09 08:12 AM

20 eh.... shit site, shit show, shit presentation, site bugs, drivel, crap.

23-Sep-09 09:49 AM

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