ToughJobs may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 uncommon instruments for music lovers

By ebell February 14, 2022

Anyone can play the guitar (with lots of practice, sure). But if you’re looking to apply your skills to new sounds, you might want to try something a little unorthodox. After all, playing beautiful music requires a certain amount of improvisation and ingenuity, and having an uncommon instrument in your hands might be the way to unlock a reserve of creativity you didn’t even know was there. From electric strings to a classic Mandolin-style instrument to the cheerfully petite Ukelele, here are five uncommon musical instruments to inspire any music lover.

The world of music invites innovation and experimentation. And the beauty of these instruments is they’re good for a beginner or someone looking to branch out from a traditional sound. Most of them are also decent values, with a couple investment pieces for extra-serious players. Whether you’re looking for a different, charged tone in your violin or want to try an entirely new kind of stringed instrument altogether, there are uncommon instruments out there certain to fit the bill. As usual, all you have to do is learn to play them.

Related Videos

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Personal development

Growth

5 housewarming gifts your coworkers will love

serving platters office party man woman

Moving into a new home is one of the most fun and nerve-racking things you will do. If you have a coworker taking the leap, you'll want to find them the perfect gift to welcome them home. Whether they're having a big party to celebrate or you hear about it in the office, why not surprise them with something fun for their new home? They'll appreciate the gesture and you'll be sure to get invited to their next gathering. We found five unique gifts that any homeowner would love to receive. Check them out here. At these prices, you may just want to buy a second one for yourself!

You'll be the talk of the office choosing one of these gifts for your coworkers new home. They aren't the run-of-the-mill ideas that usually make the rounds at housewarming parties, and that's precisely why we love them. So, take a chance and gift them something unique. Chances are, they will be singing your praises for years to come.

Growth

These clever art supplies won’t break the bank

the best art pencils

Attaining work-life balance is, for most of us, a lifelong quest, and fostering creative interests outside the workplace is key to managing that balancing act. Living within a budget—another lifelong challenge for most of us—doesn't mean stinting on personal creative pursuits, especially if making art is one of them. Affordable art supplies, available in abundance, are a useful reminder that creative expression doesn't have to translate into big bucks.

Accessibly priced art supplies, like those featured below, make a case for a little going a long way. Designed for the experienced artist and novice alike, these creative tools—colored pencils, permanent acrylic markers, dry-erase chalk—are, when used by capable hands, just as likely to yield arresting works of art as the most coveted oils and acrylics.

Growth

5 essential items for brown bag lunches

woman-office-coffee

Brown-bagging isn’t just for school-aged kids. It boasts many benefits for adults, too. For starters, it saves you money can keep you healthier. When you eat nutritiously, you build immune system health and may just generally feel better during the workday.
Though taking an actual break for lunch can help you relax and refocus, you may not always have that option. Brown bagging it allows you to have a working lunch or eat between meetings.
You can also reduce your carbon footprint if you use reusable and eco-friendly products instead of an actual brown bag. Many restaurants still hand out takeout in styrofoam containers, which aren’t on Mother Nature’s nice list.
Here are a few essential items for brown-bag meals at work.

Bringing meals to work can help you save time and money. You’ll likely eat more nutritiously and produce less waste, keeping your digestive system and Mother Nature happy. A few items set the table for a delicious and fresh meal. Bento boxes and ice packs ensure food and beverages don’t go bad during your commute or workday. Large bags help you tote everything you need. If you drink coffee or tea on the go, a quality mug that prevents spills is convenient and eco-friendly. Water bottle sleeves can also help you avoid potentially embarrassing messes while keeping your beverage cold. Of course, sometimes it’s fun to go out with colleagues — don’t deprive yourself. Like eating, everything is great in moderation.