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5 uncommon instruments for music lovers

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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.

An electric gives a richer, slightly charged tone, broadcasting the classical sound. This sleek Cecilio pearl white Electric Violin is also lightweight, has a decent pickup, and, for the price, is a great value entry into electric strings. Powered by a 9V battery, which is included, and keeps the music mobile.
$150 from Amazon

Here’s a bigger electric beast—an electric cello from Cecilio, made of maple wood with a white pearl finish. More of an investment, this might be a good starter cello for someone who pwants to experiment with electric strings. A mother-of-pearl inlay and ebony fingerboard round out the body. Comes with a padded lightweight soft case, bow, rosin, an auxiliary cable, and headphones.
$385 from Amazon

Here’s the Cecilio Style 1 Electric Violin in a striking yellow maple. A standard 4/4 violin (meaning adult standard size), it’s a lighter-weight instrument thanks to its hollow body. The pickup is clean, with a resounding sound that might inspire an acoustic violinist to make the switch to electric. The violin comes with the standard bow, rosin, and chin rest, as well as the not-so-standard 9-volt alkaline battery.
$97 from Amazon $204 from Newegg

Made of rosewood and maple in a glossy Sunburst finish, this incredibly striking Mandolin-style instrument is a rewarding investment for a practiced player looking for a challenge. Twenty silver nickel frets on the neck, with chrome-plated, open-gear tuners and an adjustable bridge help you create a sound unlike any other.
$93 from Amazon $89 from Walmart

Perfect ukulele for the beginner, or a fun side instrument for the professional, this Tenor Ukulele Deluxe Series from Hola! Music is a value made with care. Ukuleles in this price range usually include plastic strings, but this uses Aquila Nylgut strings, higher-quality and certain to last longer. The kit includes a colorful strap and three different-size picks to change your sound up. And if the cheerful sound isn’t enough, natural Zebrawood (and rosewood and mahogany) round out the bright, playful vibe.
$88 from Amazon $40 from Walmart

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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.

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