Rare Mouth Instruments You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Nov3,2025

A small lyre-shaped instrument played by plucking a metal tongue while holding it in the mouth; it creates twanging, rhythmic vibrations.

Murchunga (Jew’s Harp)

Japan’s delicate version of the jaw harp, producing mystical, meditative tones used in ancient folk rituals.

Koukin (Japanese Jaw Harp)

A bamboo mouth organ with multiple pipes that create a rich, drone-like melody—often used in traditional Lao music.

Khene

A 3,000-year-old mouth-blown free-reed instrument made of bamboo pipes; considered the ancestor of the modern harmonica.

Sheng 

A 3,000-year-old mouth-blown free-reed instrument made of bamboo pipes; considered the ancestor of the modern harmonica.

Sheng 

Some modern performers use their mouths to imitate didgeridoo-like drone and trumpet effects without the actual instrument.

Didgeridoo Mouth Trumpet

A globular clay flute blown through the mouth, creating soft, haunting notes once played in royal courts and ceremonies.

Xun 

Uniquely blown through the nose but modulated by the mouth cavity; used for love songs and storytelling in Polynesian cultures.

Nose Flute

Uniquely blown through the nose but modulated by the mouth cavity; used for love songs and storytelling in Polynesian cultures.

Nose Flute

A small vessel flute, often shaped like a bird or pendant, played with the mouth to create airy, ethereal tones.

Ocarina