We are going to explore the most rare musical instruments in the entire world. These musical instruments have unique stories, some may have been handcrafted from precious materials or may have been passed down through different generations. To name a few; the Chinese Guqin, the Armenian Duduk and more. Get ready to discover the world of rare instruments!
1. Epigonion
This ancient Greek instrument looks like a harp but has a triangular shape. Its stunning to look at and is believed to have been played during the Classical era. This large lyre instrument is extremely rare, not many of them exist in the world.
2. Nyckelharpa
The Nyckelharpa looks unnusual, it kind of ressembles a combination of the violin and sarangi. Its played with a bow but belongs to the chordophone family. The medieval instrument is also known as a keyed fiddle and is in museums. The modern recreated versions originated in Sweden. These instruments have intricate carvings.
3. Shakuhachi
Shakuhachi is a Japanese end blown flute that is made from Bamboo. It was made in the 16th Century and was called the Fuke Shakuhachi which translated means: Fuke (普化): A branch of Zen Buddhism that emerged in Japan during the Edo period and Shakuhachi (尺八): A traditional Japanese end-blown flute made from bamboo.
4. Oud
The oud is a pear-shaped stringed instrument that has been used in middle eastern and north african cultures for centuries. They are typically handcrated and involve intricate wood work to produce. It is a valuable musical instrument that is desired by collectors. Its actually a type of lute instrument which is similar to the Barbat from Persia. This oud has variations from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Balkan regions.
5. Glass Armonica
in 1761, Benjamin Franklin invented the Glass armonica which is a large instrument that produces an epic sound and has a delicate construction. The musical tones are produced from the friction of rubbing the rims of a spinning bowl.
6. Armenian Duduk
The original Armenian Duduk was rare and is made from Apricot wood but nowadays these instruments are made in some regions so they are not the rarest but still make the list. When purchased they typically require a seperate mouthpiece. The instrument produces a warm tone and an essential part of Armenian culture.
7. Chinese Guqin
The guqin is a seven-string zither with over 3,000 years of history. Known for its quiet, introspective sound, it has strong connections to Confucianism and Chinese philosophy.
8. Hydraulis
Regarded as the first known pipe organ, the hydraulis dates back to Ancient Greece. It used water pressure to create sound, and only partial remains have survived in archaeological sites.
9. Tenor Cornett (Lizard)
This curved wooden wind instrument from the Renaissance era is rarely heard today. Its tone resembles a cross between a trumpet and a human voice, and it requires great skill to master.
10. Chrysalis
The Chrysalis is an experimental instrument that is also known as a psithurism is a large wooden wheel instrument that is similar to the harp. It is round and can easily be rotated and plucked. It produces a sweet melodic sound. This instrument is very big and also look expensive. It was designed by Michael Theodore and only one exists making it the rarest instrument in the world.
11. Tibetan Kangling
The Tibetan Kangling is an expensive musical instrument that is traditionally made from a humans thigh bone. It is used spiritually in Buddhist rituals and is very rare. Its a type of trumpet horn.
12. Octobass
A towering bowed instrument from the 19th century, the octobass produces sounds an octave below the double bass. Only a few exist globally, mostly kept in museums.
13. Jejy Voatavo
This rare Madagascan string instrument is made from a gourd and is nearly unknown outside the region. Its construction and sound are tightly linked to local traditions and storytelling.
14. Sharpsichord
A massive music box that uses 11,000 pins to pluck strings in sequence. Designed by Henry Dagg, it’s solar-powered and completely unique—part sculpture, part sound machine.
15. Aeolus Acoustic Pavilion
Built as a large wind-powered structure, this installation acts as a stringless harp. As air flows through its pipes, it produces haunting harmonic tones. It's both architectural and musical.
Where to find and buy rare musical instruments
Rare musical instruments are hard to find but specialised dealers and auction houses often have extensive networks to source and authenticate these unique pieces. Many museums house rare instruments, but they typically aren’t for sale. If you're looking to add a rare instrument to your collection, we offer a variety of hard-to-find, niche instruments.
