Question

Discuss the four categories of instruments included in the Sachs-Hornbostel system. How is the sound produced by the instruments in each category? What types of instruments are included in each group? (5 points)

Answer 1

The Sachs-Hornbostel system classified instruments into four main groups-

1.Idiophones- The sound is produced by the instrument itself vibrating.The idiophones can be Struck,plucked, blown or making sounds through friction. Examples are Xylophone, Cymbals, Glass Harmonica

2.Membranophones- The stretched membrane on these instruments vibrates to produce sound.Example include drums, tabla, karzoos.

3.Chordophones- these produce sound by vibrating strings These can be simple, instruments which require only the strings like piano, or composite, which require a resonator like in a guitar .Examples include guitar, violin, harps.

4. Aerophones - These produce their sounds by through vibrating air passing them. Examples include flutes, reed instruments, conch, trumpet.