The 1970s were a time of bold musical experimentation, where artists pushed the limits of sound to create something entirely new. Beyond just electrifying guitars and booming drums, many musicians turned to unconventional instruments to expand their sonic landscapes. From futuristic synthesizers to obscure stringed instruments, the 70s saw a wave of creativity that forever changed music. Let’s explore some of the strangest instruments used in the decade and the legendary songs they helped shape.
The Mellotron: The Sound of Psychedelic Dreams
The Mellotron was a keyboard instrument that used pre-recorded tape loops to mimic orchestral sounds. Unlike synthesizers, which generated sounds electronically, the Mellotron created a rich, organic texture that was otherworldly and haunting.
Used By: The Beatles, King Crimson, The Moody Blues
Famous Songs: Strawberry Fields Forever (The Beatles), Nights in White Satin (The Moody Blues)
Impact: The Mellotron became a staple of progressive rock, giving songs a dreamy, cinematic quality that no other instrument could replicate at the time. Its ability to create haunting choral and orchestral effects made it a defining sound of the era.
The Talk Box: Making Guitars Talk
The Talk Box was a revolutionary device that allowed guitarists to shape their sound by vocalizing through a tube connected to their instrument. It created a robotic, singing-like effect that became an instant classic in rock and funk.
Used By: Peter Frampton, Joe Walsh, Stevie Wonder
Famous Songs: Do You Feel Like We Do (Peter Frampton), Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh), Pigs (Three Different Ones) (Pink Floyd)
Impact: The Talk Box became synonymous with expressive, funky guitar solos and is still widely used in rock and electronic music today.
The Chapman Stick: A Guitar-Bass Hybrid
A rare and futuristic instrument, the Chapman Stick combined elements of a guitar and bass, allowing musicians to tap both hands on the fretboard simultaneously. This opened up new possibilities for intricate melodies and deep bass grooves.
Used By: Tony Levin (King Crimson), Emmett Chapman (Inventor)
Famous Songs: Elephant Talk (King Crimson)
Impact: Though not as widely known as traditional guitars, the Chapman Stick influenced progressive rock and jazz fusion, inspiring musicians to experiment with new playing techniques. Its unique sound made it a favorite among avant-garde musicians.
The Moog Synthesizer: The Birth of Electronic Music
One of the most important instruments of the 70s, the Moog Synthesizer was one of the first widely available electronic keyboards. It allowed musicians to manipulate waveforms and create futuristic, space-like sounds that shaped electronic and rock music alike.
Used By: Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd, Giorgio Moroder
Famous Songs: Autobahn (Kraftwerk), On the Run (Pink Floyd), I Feel Love (Donna Summer)
Impact: The Moog paved the way for electronic music, influencing genres like new wave, techno, and synth-pop.
The Theremin: Music Without Touching
One of the most bizarre instruments ever created, the Theremin is played without physical contact. Instead, musicians move their hands near two metal antennas, controlling pitch and volume. The eerie, wavering sound made it a favorite for psychedelic rock and sci-fi soundtracks.
Used By: Led Zeppelin, The Beach Boys
Famous Songs: Good Vibrations (The Beach Boys), Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin)
Impact: The Theremin’s haunting, spacey tone made it an iconic instrument for eerie and experimental music.
The Clavinet: The Funk Machine
The Clavinet was an amplified keyboard instrument that became synonymous with funk music in the 70s. With its percussive, string-plucking action, it mimicked the sharp, rhythmic groove of a guitar, making it a favorite in dance and soul tracks.
Used By: Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Billy Preston
Famous Songs: Superstition (Stevie Wonder), Chameleon (Herbie Hancock)
Impact: The Clavinet added a crisp, funky edge to 70s music, becoming an essential component of the era’s danceable sound. Its unique percussive attack allowed for expressive and dynamic playing.
Experimental Recording Techniques: Pushing Boundaries Without Instruments
Aside from strange instruments, many artists experimented with unconventional recording techniques to create unique sounds:
- Reverse Tape Effects: Bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd recorded parts of their songs in reverse to create eerie, psychedelic effects.
- Physical Sound Manipulation: Producers experimented with running audio through unusual amplifiers, recording in empty halls for natural echoes, and even using household objects to create percussion sounds.
- Early Sampling: Artists like Kraftwerk began experimenting with manually looping sounds, a precursor to modern-day digital sampling.
- Layering and Multi-Tracking: Progressive rock bands pushed the limits of studio technology by layering multiple takes to create lush, orchestral-like soundscapes.
Conclusion: How These Instruments Shaped the Future
The 70s weren’t just a golden age for rock and roll—they were a playground for musical innovation. Artists weren’t afraid to experiment, blending traditional instruments with new technologies to craft sounds that still influence music today. Whether it was the space-age beeps of a Moog Synthesizer, the robotic voice of a Talk Box, or the funky rhythms of a Clavinet, these strange instruments helped define the era’s fearless creativity. And as new generations of musicians discover these tools, the spirit of 70s experimentation continues to live on.
