Introducing Some Instruments for Music Nerds at Sound House!

Hello!
It’s Kaoru the composer here!!

This time, I would like to talk about some unique and slightly niche instruments available at Sound House.

As I continue to study every day to deepen my knowledge for my work in music, I’ve carefully selected and will introduce items that I found particularly interesting and deep!

I hope this can give you some inspiration for music production!
Alright, let’s get started!!

PLAYTECH / PBC100 Bar Chimes 36 Notes

They are also called “bar chimes” or “wind chimes.”
You can often find them in elementary and junior high schools, so many of you may be thinking, “I’ve seen this before!” or “I’ve tried playing it!”

They are often used in wind ensemble pieces and ballads, but they are actually used across a wide range of genres, from enka to idol songs, making them a highly versatile instrument.

Playing them is simple—you just run your hand across the metal bars—so even small children can easily play them.

I was also surprised at how affordable they are!
By the way, this particular product costs about 6,500 yen.

There is a wide lineup available, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out!

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP441 Shaker

Like the bar chimes mentioned above, the shaker is also a highly versatile instrument.
In fact, it’s quite a “deep” instrument...

• The shape of the body
• the materials used
• and the way it is shaken

can all dramatically change the sound.

Because of this, it is actually quite difficult to find your ideal sound!
On top of that, I’ve visited many music stores over the years, but they often don’t have a very good selection (crying).

The products handled by Sound House are all relatively affordable, so I think it would be interesting to buy several different types and compare the sounds!

There are also very cute shakers, so they are perfect as interior decoration as well!
By the way, here are some examples ↓

PLAYWOOD / MNS-FR

PLAYWOOD / MS-KT

PEARL / PB-VSW Vibeslap

The vibeslap is used as a sound effect across many genres.
It often seems to be used in enka music.

More recently, it has also been used by the popular comedian “Hamburg Master.”
That distinctive “Kaaahh” sound is something most people have probably heard at least once, but few have actually played the instrument itself.

It produces sound by striking the ball at the top, which transmits vibration to the wooden box.
It is surprisingly difficult to produce a good sound, so some practice is needed to get a satisfying tone.

SUZUKI / BirdCall

As the name suggests, this instrument produces a sound similar to a bird’s call.
It creates a very relaxing atmosphere, almost like being out in the mountains.

You play it simply by pressing and twisting both grips together.
The sound changes depending on how much pressure you apply and how fast you turn it.

It could be interesting to use it as an accent in a song or a performance!

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP1-5 Flexatone

An instrument with a form somewhat similar to the vibeslap mentioned above.
The Flexatone is often used in sound effects for anime and dramas.

Most notably, it is frequently used in the popular robot anime “Mobile Suit Ga○dam.”

By changing the way it is played, it can also produce sounds like a telephone ringing bell.

TOCA / T-RAIN24 Rainstick

As the name suggests, this is an instrument that reproduces the sound of rain.
Inside a bamboo tube with many small holes, there are stones or seeds, and when the tube is tilted, they move around and create sound.

Because it uses natural materials, it produces a very pleasant and familiar sound.
This product is 24 cm in length, but there are also versions over 100 cm long in the world.
It might also be interesting to try making one yourself!

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP231B Agogo Bells

A standard steel-made agogo bell with a bright sound.
It can be mounted onto a drum set or used on its own in a variety of ways.
The two bells are tuned a minor third apart.

It is often used not only in J-pop but also in Latin music.
Its sharp, high-pitched sound stands out clearly without getting buried in other instruments.
This is the large size version.

The normal size is here ↓

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP231-A

If you want to mount it on a stand and incorporate it into a drum set, you will need to purchase this separate bracket ↓

LP (Latin Percussion) / LP571

BeatRoot / BRABRN Acoustic Minor Black

A French-made steel tongue drum.
Each note is assigned a pitch, and you can play it by striking those sections with either your hands or mallets.

The metallic resonance creates a mystical and floating, dreamlike sound.

Dimensions: 30 cm (length) × 30 cm (width) × 17 cm (height) Weight: approx. 5 kg

REMO / KA-5300-00

Here’s what’s called a “kalimba,” a traditional African instrument.
It is played by plucking the seven metal tines on the body with your fingers.

It produces, in my opinion, one of the most soothing sounds among all instruments I know!!
It is also inexpensive and compact, making it a highly recommended instrument for beginners.

That concludes this introduction to slightly niche instruments!!
Once again, I was reminded of how deep the world of musical instruments really is.

Please feel free to check them out!

*Prices are as of October 2021.

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