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3.3.4 Idiophones: Definition and List of Instruments
All cultures have idiophones. But not all cultures have membranophones. Australian aboriginal percussion instruments, for example, consist of idiophones but not membranophones.
It’s likely idiophones were the first non-vocal musical instruments. Probably rocks (the first rock music). But knocking two rocks together doesn’t make much sound because rocks have too much mass to vibrate and resonate much.
Pieces of wood work better. Bones work even better, especially hollow bones. Hollow leg bones. And skulls. Human skulls.
You can make numerous other nifty idiophones from various bones. For instance, you can fashion a rattle using spine bones and a cord.
Idiophones include:
- Rattles
- Cymbals
- Bells
- Xylophones
- Steel drums (they do not have membranes, like other drums)
- Musical saws
- Gongs
- Washboards (yeee-ha!)