Unusual, melodious, interesting – a collection of unusual instruments

Whether electric guitar, trumpet or cello – at König & Meyer, we offer perfectly fitting stands, holders and other accessories for almost all well-known and widely used musical instruments. But what about instruments that you hardly ever see on stage or in music shops? Those that are so unusual that they often don’t need a stand – because they lie on your lap, float in the air or are even homemade?

Today, on “Unusual Musical Instruments Day”, we present six extraordinary instruments and check what equipment we can offer to support them.

Acoustic and extraordinary

1. Hang drum

It looks like a UFO and sounds like a mixture of a harp and a steel drum: the hang drum is played with the hands and is usually held on the lap or on a cushion. Anyone who practises meditation or yoga will certainly be familiar with this instrument. It is ideal for meditative sound journeys and relaxation. The hang drum is also often found among street musicians: it is practical because it is played while seated and requires pure intuition.

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2. Glass harmonica

An instrument like something from another world: rotating glass discs are made to sing with moistened fingers. Made famous by Mozart and Benjamin Franklin, it remains a rare gem – usually permanently installed, not intended for use on stage.

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Ethnic & World Music

3. Didgeridoo

The oldest wind instrument in the world comes from Australia and requires one thing above all else: lung capacity. The instrument is played while seated, with the 1 to 2.5 metre long didgeridoo held “simply” on the floor or between the legs. No extras – just an unmistakably deep, pulsating sound. The instrument can be stored in an oboe stand such as the 18020.

 

4. Kora

The West African harp lute with 21 strings is a marvel made of calabash, leather and wood. Traditionally, the player sits cross-legged with the kora on the floor leaning against their body. Elegant and minimalistic – just like its sound. The plucked instrument can be stored in a guitar stand, for example, the  »Heli 2«.

Experimental & modern

5. Waterphone

It sounds like something out of a horror film – and that’s exactly what it’s used for: the Waterphone produces ghostly sounds by rubbing and striking metal rods over a water-filled resonance chamber. Goosebumps guaranteed, no stand required. If desired, a laptop stand (seen below in the slider) can be used as a shelf.

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6. Theremin

A classic of the avant-garde: the theremin is played without being touched – hands control pitch and volume via two antennas. The box, which is usually rectangular, can be placed on a table, or you can actually use a keyboard or laptop stand. Some models have a 3/8 inch connection for a microphone stand.

 

Conclusion: Music knows no boundaries

The world of music is huge, colourful and sometimes pretty weird – in the best possible way! The instruments presented here demonstrate how versatile and creative sound can be. Most of them manage without much technology or equipment. However, in some cases, our products may still be helpful.

Have you ever heard or even played one of these instruments? Or do you know of any other unusual sound wonders?

👉 Write to us in the comments or on social media – we look forward to hearing about your discoveries!

With you on the stages of life.
Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

For over 75 years, König & Meyer has been a part of the music world and supported it every step along the way.

From the first rock ‘n’ roll sounds of the 50s to the big stage shows of the 70s to the digital revolution of the 21st century—K&M has been there as a reliable partner in the background and ensured successful gigs on the big and small stages of the world.

What began with a music stand is now a globally recognized brand with over 1,500 products, almost all of which are manufactured in house. A journey through the decades shows how K&M embraced the trends and needs of musicians and became an indispensable part of the music industry.

The 50s and 60s
The rise of music and the first steps from K&M

The 50s—an era of new beginnings and reinvention. Rock ‘n’ roll sparked a revolution on living room radios and dance floors. It was precisely at this time that the journey of König & Meyer began. The first K&M music stand was mass-produced in Wertheim. This product turned an idea into an indispensable tool for musicians.

The enthusiasm for music grew in the 60s. The “British Invasion” with the Beatles and Rolling Stones brought a wave of new artists and ideas.König & Meyer introduced microphone stands to its product range, and the legendary 210/2 quickly became a stage essential for performers around the world. It remains a top-selling product to this day and is unsurpassed in its popularity.

 

The 70s and 80s
From big stages and pop icons

The 70s marked the beginning of an era of superstars and big stages. Artists such as Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie created elaborate shows with spectacular set-ups. Music evolved from sound into a full sensory experience. K&M responded with new speaker stands, especially the 214/6. The combination of stability and function made it the standard for small stages in particular and supported artists with demanding performances and on long tours.

The 80s were a bold, colorful era of avant-garde creativity. Pop music experienced a boom, and stars such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince changed the image of pop culture. The saxophone, elevated by synth sounds, became the instrument of the hour and the K&M 14300 stand a trusted resting place for these prized instruments. In the glittering world of pop, musicians appreciated the robust and reliable stands from K&M.


The 1990s and 2000s
The era of individuality and digital change

The 90s—a decade of individuality and rebellion. Grunge, hip-hop, and techno took over the music scene and brought in a bold new generation of artists. From small clubs to large festivals, musicians sought authenticity and expression. K&M responded with products that embodied this spirit. Guitar stands like the indestructible A-Frame 17540 suited a generation that lived for itself and its music.

The 2000s ushered in the digital age. MP3 players, computers, and digital recording techniques revolutionized music production and made it more mobile and accessible. The stages became more versatile, and the new »Spider« keyboard stand set new standards in design and functionality. For keyboard players, the »Spider« still one of today’s most iconic stands, brought new levels of freedom and flexibility.

 


The 2010s to today
Multimedia and the stage of tomorrow

Music-making changed once again in the 2010s. Social media and streaming turned today’s artists into overnight stars with stages popping up everywhere—from living rooms to open-air festivals.
K&M recognized this trend and developed stands and holders for tablets, smart phones, and headphones for artists. The 16075 headphone stand has become indispensable for the digital generation who want to be creative anywhere and at any time.

In the 2020s, club culture and festivals are once again thriving, and DJ equipment is evolving to keep up. The DJ table 12170 and its matching mounts are perfect for DJs and mobile artists ready to take their performance anywhere.

And K&M?
It remains in the middle of it all. Close to the artists. Since the 1950s, the company has been leading the way with products that musicians trust and love.

 

 

Ready to take on what’s next.

For 75 years, K&M has been synonymous with quality, precision, and passion for music.

What began in a small factory in Wertheim is now a globally established brand that is growing with an incomparable feel for the needs of musicians. König & Meyer will continue to meet the challenges of a constantly changing music scene for the next 75 years—with a clear focus on sustainability and innovation.
And the passion for music—and the people who bring it to life—endures.

 

A journey through the decades
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