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Instruments

Musical instruments

2,112 instruments from around the world, organised by how they make sound – the Hornbostel–Sachs system – and by origin.

160

Idiophones

The solid body of the instrument itself vibrates, without strings or a stretched membrane.

67

Membranophones

Sound comes from a vibrating stretched membrane.

283

Chordophones

Sound comes from vibrating strings, amplified by a resonating body.

290

Aerophones

Sound comes from vibrating air.

41

Electrophones

Sound is produced or shaped electronically – synthesizers, the theremin and electric organs.

Popular instruments

By country of origin

All instruments A–Z