Cool instruments
I love interesting instruments! This is a list of some of my favorites. All video links go to Youtube.
Table of contents
Contrabass Trombone
The size of a double slide B flat contrabass trombone (right) compared to a bass trombone (left), which is already bigger than a standard tenor trombone!
Image source: Roseville Big Band
Status: Extant
Video: The Swan (Saint-Saens) by Karl Wiederwohl (F trombone)
I love bass versions of instruments because the lower range makes them bigger and more tube-y. Bass trombones are relatively common in bands these days, but the band I play in just gained a contrabass trombonist and I'm obsessed with it. It's massive. I don't know if the picture adequately communicates how big it is.
There are two types of contrabass trombones. The B flat contrabass trombone (pictured) has a double slide, which means slide positions are the same as they are on bass trombone... just with more tubes. It's heavy, hard to maneuver, and apparently requires more air than a tuba does. On the other hand, the F contrabass trombone (in the video) has valves on it in addition to a single slide, which helps lower the range without needing to lengthen the slide. This comes with the tradeoff of having to learn new slide positions. This is the version the player in my band has, and I assure you it's still huge!
Crotales
Crotales on a stand
Image source: Wikipedia
Status: Extant
Video: Reflections by Tom Teasley
Crotales are a "keyboard" instrument made of brass disks. They sound extremely distinctive; schools/bands that don't have a set will substitute glockenspiel, but it's a poor replacement. They ring for a long time and sound just a little bit off-pitch. They are usually played with hard plastic or metal mallets but can also be bowed (see video). Few things made me happier than getting out the crotales while I was in school.
The late Neil Peart of Rush fame had a set of crotales in his set. You can hear them in the introduction to Closer to the Heart, for example.
Marimbaphone
Advertisement for a Deagan marimbaphone, 1911
Transcript
Steel Marimbaphones
Two instruments in one. Marimbaphones can be played with mallets same as Orchestra bells of [sic] Xylophones, or can by means of a small thumb screw, be loosened and turned so that the bars are perpendicular, and played with bows. The bars vary from one and one-quarter inches to two inches in width. Are not in the least affected by climatic changes and never get out of tune. Four part harmony with bows and mallets sounds very beautiful of No. 1113 and larger sizes. All metal parts are all heavy triple plated and highly polished. These instruments are extremely handsome in appearance, and are ideal for stage, orchestra, or home use.
Deagon [sic] Musical Bells and Novelties Stand First— Deagon musical bells and novelties are used by the leading artists of the world. Deagon has no competition. Deagon instruments are absolutely flawless in tuning. The tone quality is unequalled for depth, volume, and carrying power. Deagon instruments are made of the best materials. They combine greatest durability and strength with lightest weight. Buy a Deagon instrument and you will make no mistake. SOLD BY A. KOSPE CO.
J.C. Deagon, "The House of Originality" Chicago, Ill.
Status: Extinct
Video: The Last Rose of Summer by Nick White
The marimbaphone was produced by J.C. Deagan, a company that produced keyboard percussion instruments. They had bars made of steel or wood, although I've only been able to find videos of steel marimbaphones. The bars could be rotated and played with bows. Since the "black" and "white" keys can be rotated individually, multiple players could bow and use mallets on it simultaneously. I love bowed keyboard instruments, so it was news to me that there was an attempt to make that easier to do!
Even at the time of its production, the marimbaphone wasn't widely scored for (or if it was, it could be swapped out for a marimba). I learned about it playing Molly on the Shore by Percy Grainger, which calls for steel marimba, a version of the marimbaphone that was only meant to be played with mallets. Apparently (i.e. according to Wikipedia), Grainger was one of the few composers who included steel marimba in his band compositions.
The vibraphone has seemingly replaced (and exceeded) the marimbaphone's niche since its invention in 1921. I wish it hadn't, because the sound is completely different! I'm pretty sure only Deagan produced marimbaphones, so even if you wanted to use one, they seem to be hard to find if Youtube videos are any indication.