Being considered cool is often the result of a lot of intangible elements that come together in a unique and powerful way that elicits awe, respect and envy. This is why picking a list of the coolest instruments is so difficult. It is highly subjective and based on hard to explain criteria. With that said, here is a definitive list of the coolest instruments.
Electric Guitar
The coolest instrument on the planet without a doubt has to be the electric guitar. It can emit almost any type of sound, and create any type of emotion in its listener. It can be soft and melancholy, brash and angry, steady and supporting, or warm and pleasing and excels at pulling on the heart or the mind. With a virtuoso player on its strings, it can even touch the soul.
With a history going back nearly 4,000 years, this oldest of instruments has not only endured, because it is so cool, it has always been at the center of music wherever it has been played. Its origins are hotly debated, but what is never denied is the role it has played in soothing angry rulers and wooing chaste princesses.
Today this instrument is played mostly in its electrified form and taught by expert teachers like Tom Hess who show even skilled players how to reach their maximum potential on the instrument. And it is in its electric form where it exudes cool. When you think of the songs that you wish you could sing, there is usually a prominent guitar track or solo in it. So the guitar takes number one for cool.
The Acoustic Piano
The piano is the most played instrument in the world and probably because it is so cool. It is versatile and rich and compliments every genre of music and is the perfect lead or accompaniment. Mastering the instrument takes patience and a special feel but the reward is a companion that will be able to express every mood and passion you feel.
The piano is the descendent of many keyboard instruments that gained popularity throughout Europe. The most prominent of which was the harpsichord, which excelled at projecting a loud and melodious sound from its box shape. The introduction of the piano revealed an instrument whose sound gained in intensity when struck sharply and oozed passion when caressed lightly. It created a sensation throughout Europe, and soon was the most sought after sound in the land. This love affair continues today as the piano is always near the top most requested instrument at events. The instruments cool factor got cemented when it became the heart of Blues, then Soul, then Rock and Roll, and R and B. Without it music might not be cool at all.
Violin
The violin may be a surprise choice for a classical instrument until you hear our reasons why. It has been said that if the soul has a voice, it sounds like a well-played violin. And any discussion about emotion, passion and music has to place the violin right in the heart of it. Whether bowed or plucked, the emotions evoked from the strings of this small but powerful instrument can run from love to anger and often in the same musical phrase.
The violin is easily regarded as one of the most important musical instruments in history. It is a renowned solo instrument, and it has over the centuries become a fundamental part of grouped musical performance including string duets, quartets an all sizes of orchestras. Although its contemporary roots go back to 9th century Europe, it can actually be traced to more than 500 years ago in Asia where it evolved into the instrument we know and love today.
In terms of cool, carrying that small case and knowing the power of the instrument inside is cool. And also, there is nothing cooler than someone opening up a violin case, pulling the instrument out and playing a Mendelssohn Violin Concerto right in front of you.
There you have it, the cool instrument list. Honorable mentions go to drums and the saxophone because each are cool, but neither can touch these three.