Traditional and folk instruments from cultures around the world
World and folk instruments represent the rich diversity of musical traditions from every corner of the globe. From the meditative tones of a kalimba to the expressive bellows of an accordion, these instruments connect us to cultural heritage and open new creative possibilities.
Every culture has developed unique instruments reflecting its musical values and available materials. The sitar has been central to Indian classical music for centuries, the accordion became the voice of European folk and tango music, and African thumb pianos (mbiras) have been played for over 3,000 years.
World instruments span every method of sound production: plucked and bowed strings, struck metal and wood, squeezed bellows with reeds, and more. What unites them is their connection to specific musical traditions and their distinctive timbres that bring unique colors to any musical context.
Ravi Shankar (sitar), Astor Piazzolla (accordion/bandoneon), and countless traditional musicians worldwide have elevated these instruments to concert-hall status while preserving their cultural roots.
The kalimba (thumb piano) is one of the few instruments that sounds good almost immediately — its tuning is designed so that even random notes sound pleasant together. The accordion was once the best-selling instrument in America during the early 20th century.