Instruments from Around the World
Woodwind, Percussion and String Instruments from around the world: Asia (China, India, Pakistan), the Mideast (Egypt, Turkey), Africa, South America, and Europe. Instruments listed here are all on Yellow Bell recordings. The concept of Yellow Bell recordings is to combine these instruments in new and unique ways, resulting in a style of music that is truly World Fusion.
The Vedas, considered to be the most ancient of Indian texts (2nd century B.C.E.), speak of three classifications of instruments: The venu - the flute (or woodwinds), mrdanga - the drum (or percussion), and vina - the harp (or strings).
The links for each type of instrument provide free sound samples and pictures, descriptions of how the instruments are constructed and played, the historical significance of each instrument, and names of musicians who define the instrument from long ago to the present.
Woodwind Instruments
Bamboo flutes from Asia (Bansuri, Dizi) Western Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinets, and Didgeridoo from Australia.
In the Vedas the flute is associated with Lord Krishna and thought of in a sensual context tempered by devotion in the spiritual realm.
Percussion Instruments
Tablas and Bells from India, Balinese Gongs, African Djembe, Mbira (thumb piano), Clay Pot, Water Drums, and Shekere, Afro-Cuban Bata, Mid-Eastern Dumbek and Riq, South American Cajon & Kajita, and Australian Rainstick.
In the Vedas the drum is associated with Siva and the fundamental rhythms of life.
String Instruments
Sitar from India, Mid-Eastern Oud, South American Berimabau, Sitar Bass (a hybrid of electric bass and Sitar).
In the Vedas the harp is associated with Saraswati and theories concerning sound, speech and knowledge.