The Devil’s Instrument

[lb_lee]

(Alternate title: the Devil Went Down to Georgia... and Regretted It)

While talking with our roommates about the fiddle as the Devil’s Instrument, we got to thinking about the comparative Satanism of other instruments, ranked by how well you could make a Devil dueling song out of it.

The fiddle, yes. The banjo, of course. The harmonica would also be a good contender.

But then we got silly. The tuba would just end like that Spike Jones record where they try to play Flight of the Bumblebee on the trombone. The Devil’s Tympani? The Devil’s Theremin??? (Well, the theremin would likely work out fine.) Warring bassoons? (As a former school bassoonist, we are of course obligated to declare that bassoons can totally war, it’ll just look undignified as the thumbs fly.)

But then we knew. The Devil’s Horn. The instrument that regardless of playing ability instantly sends all listeners to hell:

THE VUVUZELA.

All other contenders go home.

Comments

Only somewhat related

[marzicastella]

The Devil Came Up to Boston:
https://youtu.be/zWVcIn7Q4Cc

Re: Only somewhat related

[lb_lee]

Mori: I am filled with gratitude and joy.

[sinistmer]

I feel like the otamatone would be a good contender for a devil's instrument.

[lb_lee]

YES YOU ARE CORRECT IN THIS MATTER

[witchpoetdreamer]

I was about to say that! That and the kazoo XD

[lb_lee]

Mori: I CONCEDE

[numb3r_5ev3n]

My vuvuzela got lost during one of the many moves I have made over the past 15 years, and I need to obtain another one.

[lb_lee]

Mori: WHAT DO YOU USE IT FOR???

[chanter1944]

This made me bust out laughing! But I may have a topper - ETA: witchpoetdreamer had the topper, I just tagged along.

The devils' kazoo. All listeners to a duel on this instrument are summarily flung into some sort of dismay-saturated hell. Eurgh!

[lb_lee]

Mori: we are truly creating a terrible band.

[chanter1944]

Ohgod my braaaaiiiiin! Uh. Perhaps I shouldn't have used that particular epithet? Oops? :P

[lb_lee]

I know at least one person would nominate the ukelele, but I LIKE the ukelele, not its fault a lot of people play it boringly!

[pantha]

I am obliged to point out that, at least in the minds of classical musicians, the viola definitely gets a spot.

[lb_lee]

Sneak: why? The viola is nice!

[pantha]

Indeed! But for some reason, the viola has the same reputation in classical music as the banjo does in country / bluegrass / similar music. I.e. they're the butt of all the jokes.

[lb_lee]

Mori: What? Lies! The banjo is an amazing instrument and one of the only other instruments with a duel song devoted to it!