The Most Overrated Instrument, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the instrument you think is the most overrated!

Updated on Apr 27, 2024 06:28

In the world of music, every instrument brings a unique sound and character to performances, but opinions differ wildly on which are overly praised. This site offers you a chance to cast your vote and see how others perceive different musical instruments. You might be surprised at how common or distinct your opinions are in the broader community. After voting, the live rankings provide a fun and insightful reflection of collective opinions. It's fascinating to see which instruments are deemed overrated by a diverse group of voters. Your participation helps shape a clearer picture of prevailing perceptions in the music community.

What Is the Most Overrated Instrument?

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50
votes
francesco from Italia · CC BY 2.0

Electric Guitar

Adolph Rickenbacker

While it's undoubtedly an iconic instrument, its overuse in popular music and lack of versatility beyond rock and blues make it overrated.
The electric guitar is a musical instrument that uses a pickup and amplifier system to produce sound. It is a popular instrument in various genres such as rock, blues, and jazz. The electric guitar is known for its versatility, expressiveness, and ability to create a wide range of sounds.

Number of Strings: Usually six, but can have more or fewer strings

Body Shape: Various shapes including solid body, semi-hollow, and hollow

Pickups: One or more electromagnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals

Amplification: Requires an amplifier to amplify the signal

Tone Controls: Typically include volume and tone knobs or switches
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11
votes
Danel Solabarrieta · CC BY-SA 2.5

Drum Set

While crucial in setting the rhythm of a song, the drum set can often be drowned out by other instruments and lacks the melody or harmonic capabilities of other instruments.
The drum set, also known as a drum kit, is a highly versatile and popular percussion instrument that consists of various drums and cymbals arranged in a specific configuration. It is commonly used in various genres of music, including rock, pop, jazz, and more.

Components: Bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, hi-hat, crash cymbal, ride cymbal, etc.

Materials: Various options like wood, metal, or acrylic for drum shells and cymbals

Size: Different dimensions available for each drum and cymbal

Configuration: Customizable arrangement of drums and cymbals based on player preference

Playing Technique: Played using drumsticks, brushes, mallets, or hands
Drum Set in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular percussion instrument
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23
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Keyboard/Synthesizer

While capable of producing a wide range of sounds, the overuse of synthesizers in popular music can make songs sound generic and lacking in originality.
The keyboard/synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument that combines the functionality of a traditional keyboard with the capabilities of a synthesizer. It is commonly used in various music genres and performances.

Polyphony: Typically offers multiple note polyphony, ranging from 16 to hundreds of voices.

Sound Generation: Uses electronic oscillators and filters to generate and manipulate sounds.

MIDI Compatibility: Supports MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) for communication with other musical devices and software.

Sampling: Some models include the ability to sample and play back recorded sounds.

Effects: Includes various built-in effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and more.
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12
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Triangle

Despite its occasional use in orchestral pieces, the triangle is often seen as a novelty instrument with limited musical value.
The Triangle face shape is defined by a narrow forehead and a wider jawline, creating a triangular appearance. It is also known as the inverted triangle or heart-shaped face.

Forehead: Narrow

Cheeks: Prominent

Jawline: Wide

Chin: Pointed

Hairline: Wider at the temples
5

15
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Kazoo

Another novelty instrument, the kazoo has limited range and is often used for comedic effect rather than musical value.
The kazoo is a simple musical instrument that produces a buzzing sound when played. It consists of a hollow pipe with a small resonator at one end and a membrane (known as a diaphragm) at the other end. The player hums or sings into the kazoo, causing the diaphragm to vibrate and create the buzzing sound. The kazoo is often considered a novelty instrument, renowned for its quirky and comical sound.

Material: Typically made of metal or plastic

Size: Small and compact, easily held in one hand

Resonator: Usually made of metal, with a small opening

Diaphragm: Thin membrane made of paper, plastic, or similar material

Sound production: Produces a buzzing or vibrating sound
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11
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Cowbell

While it can add a unique sound to a song, its frequent use in pop culture memes has made it more of a joke than a serious instrument.
The cowbell is a percussion instrument that consists of a metal bell attached to a handle. When struck with a drumstick or mallet, it produces a loud and distinctive sound. It is commonly used in various music genres, including rock, Latin, and marching bands.

Material: Typically made of metal, such as steel or brass.

Shape: Cylindrical with an open end, resembling a bell.

Size: Varies, but typically ranges from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.

Tone: Produces a bright and high-pitched sound.

Sustain: Offers a medium to long sustain, depending on the strike force.
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12
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Recorder

Often seen as a beginner's instrument, the recorder is limited in range and sound quality, making it overrated in terms of its value in professional music.
The recorder is a wind instrument that belongs to the woodwind family. It is often considered one of the most overrated instruments due to its widespread use in introductory music education. The recorder has a simple design consisting of a long cylindrical tube with fingerholes and a mouthpiece at one end. It produces sound by the player blowing air into the mouthpiece and covering specific fingerholes to create different pitches. Despite its reputation, the recorder has been used in various musical genres and historical periods, showcasing its versatility.

Material: Traditionally made from wood, especially maple or rosewood, but can also be made from plastic or various other materials.

Range: The recorder's range typically spans two octaves, varying based on the type of recorder.

Tuning: Most recorders are designed to be tuned to the key of C.

Size: Different sizes of recorders exist, including soprano, alto, tenor, and bass, offering varying ranges and tonal qualities.

Fingerings: The recorder uses a system of fingerings, with combinations of covering and uncovering specific fingerholes to produce different notes.
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6
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Harmonica

While capable of producing a unique sound, the harmonica's overuse in blues and folk music can make it feel repetitive and lacking in originality.
The harmonica is a wind instrument that is small, portable, and played by blowing air through reed chambers. It creates musical notes when the player inhales and exhales into it. It is known for its unique sound and versatility in various music genres.

Type: Wind instrument

Number of reeds: Multiple

Reed material: Brass, stainless steel, or bronze

Number of holes: 10 or more

Key range: Usually spans two or more octaves
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12
votes
Bagpipes

While important in certain cultural contexts, the bagpipes' distinct sound can be overwhelming and grating to some listeners.
Bagpipes are a unique wind instrument that consists of an airbag, called a bag, connected to various pipes. The bag acts as a reservoir for air, which is squeezed by the player to produce continuous sound. The pipes are typically made of wood or plastic and are fitted with reeds to create specific pitches. Bagpipes are known for their distinctive, loud, and melodic sound.

Types: There are several types of bagpipes, including the Scottish Great Highland Bagpipes, Irish Uilleann Pipes, Northumbrian Smallpipes, and many more.

Number of Drones: Bagpipes typically have one or more drones, which are additional pipes that produce a continuous bass note.

Chanter: The chanter is the main melodic pipe of the bagpipes. It is fingered by the player to produce different pitches.

Bag Material: Bags can be made from various materials, such as leather or synthetic materials like Gore-Tex.

Reeds: Bagpipes use double reeds, which vibrate when air is blown through them to produce sound.
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2
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Banjo

While important in bluegrass music, the banjo's limited use in other genres and sometimes stereotypical associations with rural culture can make it overrated in terms of its overall musical value.
The banjo is a stringed instrument with a unique sound and charm. It typically consists of a circular body covered with a stretched membrane, a fretted neck, and strings that are usually plucked or strummed. The bright and twangy tone of the banjo is often associated with folk, bluegrass, and country music.

Number of Strings: Usually 4 or 5 strings, but can range from 4 to 9.

Body Shape: Typically round or oval-shaped, with a drum-like body.

Resonator: Some banjos have a back plate, called a resonator, which projects sound forward.

Head/Tone Ring: The stretched membrane on the banjo's body, called the head, can be made of various materials like plastic or animal hide. Some banjos also feature a metal tone ring for added clarity and volume.

Frets: The neck of the banjo is usually fretted, providing precise pitch control.

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Discussion

Ranking factors for overrated instrument

Popularity

Consider how popular the instrument is among musicians and music lovers. Overrated instruments may be seen as a must-have for every band or musician, even when their presence does not significantly contribute to the overall sound.
Versatility

Assess the instrument's versatility and range. An overrated instrument may have limited applications and capabilities but might still be praised as a cornerstone of musical expression.
Difficulty

Evaluate the level of skill required to play the instrument proficiently. Some overrated instruments may be perceived as more difficult to play than they truly are, which can add to their mystique and perceived importance.
Influence on Music Genres

Determine the extent to which the instrument contributes to the development and evolution of various music genres. Overrated instruments may have a relatively small impact on shaping and defining styles of music, yet receive an undue amount of praise.
Cost

Consider the cost of acquiring and maintaining the instrument. Overrated instruments may have exorbitant prices that do not necessarily reflect their actual value or functionality.
Subjective Perception

Take into account personal biases, as overrated instruments may be more influenced by subjective perception and tastes, rather than objective criteria.
Cultural Significance

Examine the instrument's role in the broader cultural landscape. Some instruments may be overrated due to their historical significance or association with famous musicians, rather than their actual musical value.
Innovation and Uniqueness

Assess the degree of innovation and uniqueness of the instrument. Overrated instruments may not necessarily bring new or ground-breaking innovations to the field of music.
Availability

Consider the availability of the instrument to musicians. An overrated instrument may be difficult to access or require specialized training, making it less relevant or useful to a wide range of musicians.
Influence on Skill Development

Evaluate how playing the instrument contributes to the overall skill development of a musician. Overrated instruments may not offer significant opportunities for growth or improvement in comparison to other means of learning and perfecting musical abilities.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most overrated instrument. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or instrument is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1645 views
145 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each instrument once every 24 hours. The rank of each instrument is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most overrated instrument

Music has been an integral part of human civilization for centuries, and instruments have played a crucial role in creating melodious tunes that have left an indelible mark on our souls. While each instrument has its unique charm, some of them have often been overrated, with people assigning them a higher value than they actually deserve. In this article, we explore the world of music and take a deep dive into the most overrated instruments, analyzing why they might not be as great as they are often made out to be. From the ubiquitous guitar to the much-revered piano, we examine the reasons behind their overrated status and what makes them fall short. So, let's take a closer look and see which instrument takes the crown for being the most overrated of them all.