This is an uncommon instrument that doesn’t actually require physical contact in order to produce its eerie sound, invented in 1919 in Russia by Léon Theremin. It is one of the first completely electronic instruments, it consists of circuits in a box and two antennas. It produces its sound by standing in front of it and moving the hands near the two metal antennas, one of which is commonly circular.

The distance from the hands and the antennas determine the frequency and the amplitude.

Do you have an extra $95? Then make your own theremin with this kit.

Yeah, yeah… but what does it sound like? Download a sample here.

Commonly used in Brazilian music this percussion instrument has its origins in Africa and it’s made by a wooden or metal tube-like section covered on one side by a streched material that contains a hole in the middle where a wooden stick is embedded. It produces its sound by pulling and pushing a wet piece of cloth through the stick and the pressure applied on the stick can change the sound. Don’t know where to find one? Make your own.