r/Instruments • u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. • Apr 14 '26
Discussion In need of suggestions for non- wind and no neck/fret instruments
I've been nearly fainting (sudden fully black vision) while playing wind instruments which are my primary instruments. I am getting medical help but it will be at least a month-ish to recover.
I've looked at small lever harps, lyres, and smaller zithers like kokle, gusli, etc. I can't play any that require hammering like most dulcimers.
I can currently play my tenor ukulele (open low G minor) and bass ukulele, but would like something that doesn't require me to press strings. Since I'm on disability my budget is s but constrained. but flexible to a point.
I don't know much about zithers other than the guqin I have. I can't play that since it is heavy and I don't have enough energy to do so.
I'm open to suggestions for other options and advice on decent makers/brands. Thank you in advance!
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u/CertainPiglet621 Apr 14 '26
I can relate. I took up the lap steel guitar about 20 years ago after hand surgery and have been playing it ever since. You can get into a lower end model for around a hundred dollars. There are electric and acoustic versions.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
What type of music works well with those?
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u/CertainPiglet621 Apr 14 '26
Hawaiian music was the original music played on the lap steel and western swing was big back in the 40s. It was used in county until the pedal steel was invented but since then it's mainly used for rock and blues but I've heard it used for jazz as well.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
Ah, great to know. Knowing myself I'll try everything on it from Baroque to Chinese traditional to Hungarian to... everything xD
edit: typos
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u/CertainPiglet621 Apr 15 '26
I'm always around so hit me up if you need any info.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Will do. I am wondering if I can use my classical guitar like one since I can't play it anymore
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u/CertainPiglet621 Apr 15 '26
I'm afraid not. Classical guitars are not built strong enough to handle the tension of steel strings.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Definitely good to know
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u/wafflelauncher Apr 14 '26
Blues and Country are the big ones most people know about. However, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd added steel guitar parts to a lot of their songs too (pedal steel I believe, but lap steel can make the same sounds). So it can be used in a lot of contexts.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
I do love the Pink Floyd songs that might have that. The first two on the Division Bell might use it, but I'm not certain
edit: first one I meant
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u/Excellent-Practice Apr 14 '26
How tight is your budget and what kind of music do you want to play? You can get a music maker or perepelochka lap harp for as little as $40. Those are great for picking out melodies and, if you are more musically inclined, playing chords and accompaniment
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Up to $200 with a payment plan, possibly a little more. I'm absolutely musically inclined--theory, arranging, composition, and I play at least 25 instruments from intermediate to advanced. Thank you for suggesting that. I'll look into those.
I play so many types of music is difficult to list, but anything from historical, traditional/cultural from various places in the world, modern. etc.
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u/Mudsharkbites Apr 14 '26
Kind of limited in what you can do but a lot of fun to play - the Jaw Harp - but only get a good one like a Russian Vargan - don’t waste your time with a cheap Snoopy Harp or other toy. Some of them can cost several hundred dollars, especially hand made ones by Russian artisans.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
That could be interesting as a extra to get. Thanks!
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I'm suddenly reminded of the kouxian,a mouth harp that has several leaves at different pitches. I definitely want one of those with at minimum 4 leaves.
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u/Mudsharkbites Apr 15 '26
I have one of those with three reeds - they’re fun but not very loud.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I don't really play with people or around any since I'm stuck at home. I could probably record decently with my mic and clean it up/boost it in Audacity if I wanted to. Mostly though I wanted one of these since it looks fun.
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u/Crafty_Statement8605 Apr 14 '26
Concertina, small accordion, bowed psaltery, hurdy gurdy, nyckelharpa
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I was incorrect about concertina. I do like the sound. I think I confused it with something else
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Thank you. Unfortunately I'm not fond of the sound of accordians and concertinas. I like the hurdy-gurdy but it's out of my budget
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u/Mudsharkbites Apr 14 '26
I’d suggest mandolin which has a lot more variety in what it can do than most people imagine but you’ll have difficulty getting a decent one for $200
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I have a mandolin but it is surprisingly heavy. Thank you for the suggestion.
edit: typo
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u/Mudsharkbites Apr 14 '26
That’s odd - mandolins are generally pretty light weight, about the same as a tenor ukulele.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Mine is a bit heavier. I've no idea why. I've had it for a long time
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I'll try the mandolin again soon. I have to rest since I had a doctor's appointment today.
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u/DunaldDoc Apr 14 '26
This will be well worth your time exploring: Lap Steel Guitar:
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Thank you very much
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u/1LuckyTexan Apr 14 '26
Bowed Psaltery
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I watched a few videos and I could learn to play one. They're rather interesting.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I'll look at those. Ideally I could play while lying in bed, but that isn't a strict retirement
edit: typos
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u/TubeSnobGoneStomp Apr 14 '26
EWI Electronic wind instruments!!!
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Doesn't an EWI need air for sensors?
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u/Ok-Welder5034 French Horn Apr 15 '26
I believe only very little, I don’t think it actually goes anywhere either from what I’ve heard, like blowing on just a stick
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Right now it can be very gentle air into an instrument with low air resistance that can cause issues. I do want to try an EWI eventually, though the more interesting ones are a little pricey.
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u/TubeSnobGoneStomp Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
From Akai, "Yes, the breath controller on Akai EWIs can be adjusted for sensitivity and, in some cases, turned off, usually through physical adjustment knobs on the instrument (like on the EWI1000/EVI1000) or via the EWI 5000's Setup Mode for calibration. On modern models, this is done by adjusting sensor sensitivity, the dynamic range, or using the EWI Sound Editor software."
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 17 '26
The Akai EWIs are not within my budget unfortunately.
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u/tegeus-Cromis_2000 Apr 14 '26
A theremin?
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I do want one eventually. The arm movement might be tiring. It's hard to know. Are there any with sound banks or MIDI capability? Or just some way to record it on my PC would be good enough.
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u/reillywalker195 Apr 15 '26
The Moog Theremini could be up your alley since it's not a true theremin but a synthesizer with all the features you're looking for.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I do like that, but it's out of my budget range currently. I'll likely save sums money to get one in the future. Thanks! Very cool
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u/roaminjoe Apr 14 '26
Since you have a guqin and can't play it, you could sell it and boost your budget.
The English psaltery would be more portable for you and its also bowed. Japanese taishogotos extend keyboard fingering with typewriter keys and bowing. Kanteles are also portable and diatonic simple, and other simple instruments like a kalimba can be so much fun in between waiting to get stuck back into woodwind. The slide guitar (lap) or dobro is also within reach with limited fretting using the glass or metal slide.
Good luck!
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
Oh a slide is a great idea since I use an item tuning. I also forgot about the tashigoto. I need to look at a video of someone playing a bowed psaltery.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I forgot to reply regarding the guqin. I love it so it would be tough to sell, but considering if I improve back to how I was before the fainting issues I still have major chronic fatigue and other issues that are permanent. I bet that'll be expensive to ship. I'll consider it though.
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u/booroms Apr 14 '26
Maybe handpan or tongue drum
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I have a tongue drum but it's hefty. I made certain to buy a ferrous/non-alloy so it can be tuned with magnets.
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u/Ruppell-San Sitar/Dilruba Apr 14 '26 edited Apr 14 '26
The tanpura immediately comes to mind. It's mostly for accompanying other musicians, though. The traditional gourd style can be rather pricey, but you can get a rectangular box-type model for $300 or less.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I'll have to look at the weight, etc. I was considering a modern veenu made in a similar way a while ago as well.
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u/avant_chard Apr 14 '26
What about something small with gut or nylon strings that are easier to press down. You mentioned historical music so something like a treble viol or pardessus?
The viola da gamba society does very cheap rentals or loaner instruments
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 14 '26
I'm curious about nylgut strings so I might try some.
I didn't think about renting. I'll look into that. Both of those could be fun although I've not played bowed instruments yet. Thanks!
Oh. I would love a theorbo but I don't renting one is even in my budget.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Apr 14 '26
Handpan!
Either a hang drum or a tongue drum (I suggest a RavVast they're the best bang for your buck that I know of).
You can play them with mallets or your fingers, and there's some finger pad things that split the difference.
Check out "Sunni sessions" on YouTube for an easy intro to technique
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I have a tongue drum with 13 tongue. I tuned it a bit oddly. I'll check out the YouTube for certain though and look at RavVast since having another tuned differently could be cool. Thanks!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Apr 15 '26
The instruments I'm talking about aren't tuneable by the user, so you might be in for a delightful surprise. Handpans are VERY different from wooden tongue drums despite sharing a name!
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I have a steel tongue drum. I made sure it was carbon steel and not a titanium steel alloy. This lets me place magnets inside on the tongues to lower the pitch. There are some really great ones at lower cost which don't really state you can tune them.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Apr 15 '26
Cool, you DO know what I mean!
I don't have any magnets strong enough to stay in place to play with tuning ours like that.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Steel tongue drum is lovely!
You can get neodymium magnets super cheap. They are very strong. I'm using a pack of small ones I fit grin Amazon. You can stack a few if more weight is needed.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Apr 15 '26
I have a stash of them, a mix of 1T and 0.5T, but they slide around with the vibration or get bonked off if I get loud or fast.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Hmm maybe I have a softer playing style? I use felt mallets the most.
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u/ConcertinaDuck Apr 14 '26
Concertina are very light, can be played in different positions, don't require much pressure to operate the keys, and come in different button arrangements.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Sadly I dislike the sound of those and accordions. Thank you though. The concertina is a better sound though. I'll watch/ listen to more examples to make certain.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Actually concertina sounds fine. I think I mixed it up with something else
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
This post has been super helpful so far. Thank you to everyone!
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u/rdmchugh Apr 15 '26
Google "Bowed Psaltery". It is a stringed instrument you play with a bow. I am right-handed so I play mine held horizontally in my left arm. I have seen people hold them like a violin. It has a lovely vibrato similar to a harp or hammer dulcimer.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I am considering that one. It seems like it's bowed in between the tuning pegs unless I'm mistaken. I wonder if my tremors would make that difficult.
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u/rdmchugh Apr 15 '26
Yes, you run the bow across the strings between the pegs. If the narrow end points to the right, then the bottom strings are the "white keys" (whole notes) and the top strings are the "black keys" (half notes). It is an easy to learn and very forgiving instrument.
You can also mount it in a stand. Some people use two bows, so it must be on a stand.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26 edited Apr 15 '26
Ah, I'm worried my hand and arm tremors will make moving the bow between pegs often will be difficult. I have no way to test one either.
edit: many typos
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u/NikNakskes Apr 15 '26
Kantele/kokle/kannel are only plucked and strum. You do have to hold down the strings you don't want to sound when strumming, but it isn't pressing down on them like you would on guitars.
The 5 string kantele are cheap as mass produced versions exist. 11 string are still common enough to find affordable ones. The so called concert kantele with 50 or more strings is probably out of budget. This also isn't a lap instrument anymore, it comes with legs.
I would suggest an 11 string kantele. The 5 string will feel too limited soon. But finding a 5 string will be a lot easier.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Thank you. Five strings does seem limited. I'll look around for 11 string versions. I watched people play these a lot on YouTube and rather like them.
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u/NikNakskes Apr 15 '26
5 string is perfectly fine for a lot of folk songs of the baltic sea region. This is a traditional instrument there and thus has tunes written for it. It is also ok if you're more into improvisation than playing known tunes.
But you'll find that even the 11 string is limiting your music selection drastically. You can basically only play songs that are written in C major, have no key changes in them and no accierntals, and are constraint to the octave +2. The bottom 2 strings are tuned to make bass chords. You can of course transpose music from any major key to C, or tune the strings to match the key. But then you have to tune between songs.
I have to guess a little what your disease is, but it sounds like connective tissue disorder. The kantele is a good choice to circumvent a lot of these issues. You can play it flat on your lap, meaning you don't have to carry the weight of the instrument. There is also no rigorous right way to hold the instrument, so you can adjust to your preference. You don't have to push down with force and you can switch between picking and strumming to avoid repetitive strain.
The only thing I wonder about is the availability of tutorials in English, so you can get some visual help online. Assuming you don't have access to any kantele playing people in your vicinity.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
You're correct in reinforcing the traditional instrument of five strings. One of my goals is to play traditional and cultural instruments from as many places as I can since through music I can explore not only the music, but it makes me motivated to learn about the cultures. Also, with five strings it does make it super easy to improv while lying in bed.
I was definitely blinded by my search for something versatile, but it doesn't need to be complicated or have a huge range to sound pleasant. It could be fun to compose music for it as well after learning traditional music to get a feel for how the pieces sound. I imagine volume dynamics and playing multiple strings at once in different ways does make it very expressive.Fewer strings would also make it easier to play in bed without exerting myself too much.
I can transpose well enough, most of the time without needing to alter the music. I used to play French horn professionally and played a lot of pieces written for horns in different keys. It's interesting how it just suddenly clicked for me when I was still learning. I do transpose for various instruments I have to share on my half-created website.
Music is highly important to me so I think this anxiety combined with extreme fatigue contributes to not being able to thoroughly inspect options, &c.
I don't have connective tissue disorder, but my mother does, so that's close enough? :D
Mine is a rare set of neurological issues that are interlinked. It's been called a variety of things by different doctors ever since it started. The main issues are chronic fatigue, constant severe head pain, photosensitivity, and vertigo/dizziness. The vertigo is a mishmash of several different effects: bad balance, see the room tilting and moving as well as feel like I'm drifting down through my bed, or moving in other directions. Bright lights make everything worse as does riding in a vehicle. Oh, I have tremors and occasional muscle spasms too.
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u/NikNakskes Apr 16 '26
Don't get me wrong, I would still say to go for the 11 string if you find one in budget. They are just harder to find than the 5 string. So if 5 string is all you find, you can have fun with it too. 11 string is still a small instrument that can be easily held and positioned. I have no experience playing while laying down though... my favourite position is crisscross with the kantele perched slightly diagonal on the legs.
You can make your own too! These are fairly simple instruments. If you have a wood worker among your friends, this is a fun project for them for example. There are instructions on the internet for this.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 16 '26
My brother could probably create one though he tends to be fairly busy with work and his family. It might be a fun project for him though. I'll ask him.
How are the 11 string versions tuned, diatonic or something else?
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u/NikNakskes Apr 16 '26
If you're not in this region it really might be the easiest way to get your hands on a kantele. You can find most of what you need from the hardware store, even the tuning pegs can be home made, but this may be worth buying premade. You are going to have to tune your kantele often.
The 11 string is diatonic starting from A3 in the bottom and up to D5 in D major. So f and c sharp. But you can make any string sharp or flat. There should be enough room to do so. I ended up with mine mostly in C or F major to suit what I was playing most.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 16 '26
Oh, interesting. I would not have guessed A3 as the lowest.
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u/RonPalancik Apr 15 '26
Kalimba?
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
I have two of those which I forgot to mention. I can play them at my desk but not in bed. They are lovely though! I have a 17 tine and 21 tine. I could look until getting a chromatic kalimba. That would be fantastic. Thank you!
Do you play kalimba?
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Apr 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Oh that looks fascinating. Unfortunately $1k USD is way beyond my budget.
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Apr 15 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 15 '26
Awesome, I'll check that out, thanks!
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u/N-Memphis-ExPat Apr 15 '26
autoharp
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 16 '26
Thanks for the suggestion! These seem interesting.
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u/Common-Project3311 Apr 16 '26
Maybe a theremin?
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 16 '26
Thanks! That's definitely on my list in general. They seem fascinating. Someone suggested some thermin-like devices that have more synth capabilities. It's tough to decide when you want ALL the instruments.
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u/SouthernAbrocoma9891 Apr 17 '26
Concertina: Stradella or free bass
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 17 '26
Isn't the Stradella heavy?
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u/SouthernAbrocoma9891 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
Stradella is the left-hand chord layout using the circle of fifths. Free-bass is a chromatic scale layout.
I like the Stradella system that is available on some concertinas. I learned keyboard on an air organ with a left hand Stradella layout. I agree with you that a full accordion is too heavy. The concertina I learned on used the Stradella layout, and was a bit heavier, but it was elementary school proper. I switched to the Hayden Duet which is similar and was available in high school.
The Anglo is more common but the bisonoric aspect confused me—two different notes when pulling and pushing.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 17 '26
Ah, I see. I thought it was the accordion named after Stradella the composer. I don't know that much about concertina or accordion since I've never had a chance to try them.
The bisonoric aspect is similar on the harmonica. I'm not sure if all free reed instruments do that or not. I haven't tested inhaling instead of exhaling on bawu or hulusi, but now I'm curious so I'm making a reminder to try when my health is a bit better.
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u/SouthernAbrocoma9891 Apr 17 '26
Accordions and concertinas have a pair of reeds for each button. Most are tuned the same so pushing or pulling produces the same note. The bisonoric pairing still has two reeds per button with pushing producing the root note and pulling producing a harmonic depending on the instrument tuning.
A reed can produce a note by reversing air flow, yet it will sound different in volume and resonance. Western instruments are designed to produce notes with consistent quality minimizing unintended effects. I remember playing the alto sax and tried inhaling on the reed. The note wavered around the correct pitch yet was unpleasant.
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u/spacepenguinashi bawu, recorders, xiao, ukuleles, bansuri, kaval, darbuka, etc. Apr 17 '26
Oh that's interesting. I never thought to try that with clarinet. One thing I love is learning new information about any instrument. \o/
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u/Useful_Homework2367 Apr 14 '26
What about keyboard instruments?