Guide to Bandoneon

Matias Rubino playing a bandoneon

The bandoneon, also known as bandonion, is a concertina instrument that originated in Germany. This instrument that was named by a German instrument dealer, Heinrich Band, was initially used in religious and pop music at that time. Although it started in Germany, the bandoneon had also found its way in different countries … Read more

Guide to Bagpipe

A photo of a man playing the bagpipe

The bagpipe is a woodwind instrument whose origin can be traced back to ancient times. The name bagpipe has been synonymous with the Great Highland Bagpipe, overshadowing the variety of traditional forms of bagpipes. Bagpipes or bagpipe are terms that are considered correct, although pipers usually call the instrument ‘the pipes, or … Read more

Guide to Electric Guitar

a man playing guitar

An electric guitar is basically a guitar that requires external amplification. Without the amplification, this instrument is not able to produce a sound. Unlike the traditional look of a guitar, electric guitars are treated to look like metal or sometimes plastic and are quite colorful. However, just like any other guitar, some … Read more

Guide to Cajón

A photo of the percussion instrument Cajón

The Cajon is a percussion instrument that initially came from Peru. The word Cajon is derived from the Spanish word meaning a box, drawer, crate, or even coffin. It is an instrument that has six sides and is typically played by hitting the instrument with their hands as they sit at the … Read more

Guide to Balafon

A photo of a Balafon instrument

The balafon is a type of struck idiophone as categorized in the Hornbostel-Sachs musical instrument. In the Malinke language, the instrument balafon is a combination of two words ‘Balan,’ the name of the instrument, and ‘fon,’ which means to play. Therefore, the word balafon is the act of playing the instrument, Bala. … Read more

Guide to Aulos

A photo of a man playing the auloi

An aulos (pl. auloi), also known as tibia in Latin, is an ancient Greek wind instrument that is most commonly depicted in arts. This wind instrument was played by an aulete or aulist, a musician who plays the aulos. Meanwhile, a singer who sang the accompaniment to a piece played on the … Read more

Guide to Archlute

A photo of an archlute

The archlute is a specialized European string instrument that was developed around 1600. Although it was called archlute, it also has several name variations depending on the country where it is used. Some name variations include archilaud in Spanish, erzlaute in German, and arciliuto in Italian. The archlute was developed as a … Read more

Guide to Babendil

A photo of the instrument called Babendil

Babandil or Babendil is a narrow-rimmed gong that is primarily used in the Maguindanao kulintang ensemble as a timekeeper. It has several names that vary depending on the region, such as babendir in Maguindanao, and Babndir for the Maranao people. For other Southern Philippine groups, the babendil is called bandil, babendil, babendil, … Read more