With modern sampling technology, no instrument or sound is out of reach. Most of us have our trusted go-to virtual instruments, think orchestral libraries, pianos, synths, guitars, or basses, but sometimes the most memorable productions come from reaching a little further leftfield. A unique sound can transform a beat, catch a listener’s ear, and separate your track from the crowd.

In this list, we explore seven less conventional instrument choices and suggest how they can bring a fresh and unexpected touch to your production game.

1. Zither Renaissance by Sample Science

The zither is an interesting stringed instrument with multiple parallel strings stretched across a flat wooden body, played by plucking or strumming with fingers or a plectrum. Its sound has a somewhat Far Eastern flavour, full of long resonances that ring tunefully after each note.

You might know it’s sound from 1960s spy film soundtracks such as The Ipcress File or from Portishead’s trip-hop classic Sour Times (which famously sampled Lalo Schifrin). Its mysterious, slightly unsettling tone can instantly conjure suspense, tension, or exotic drama.

This fantastic recreation of a Zither by Sample Science perfectly captures the essence of this evocative instrument. The sound can be tweaked to your liking with a full array of processing options to include filters, LFO, Reverb, etc.

In production, a zither melody can inject atmosphere and intrigue, perfect for Trap and Hip Hop beats, but equally at home in cinematic scoring or experimental electronic music.

Zither Renaissance can be downloaded for free at: https://www.samplescience.info/2022/09/zither-renaissance.html

2. Delay Lama by AudioNerdz

This one sits firmly in the “quirky but ace” category. Delay Lama isn’t trying to be a realistic sampled instrument; instead, it’s a vocal synth modelled on a folk singing Tibetan monk. While the sound is far from convincing with it’s robotic texture, it is weirdly hypnotic and instantly recognisable.

And while this plugin may initially be viewed as a bit of a novelty, Delay Lama has found its way into some major tracks. Skrillex has reportedly used it to shape basslines, while Timmy Trumpet famously employed it as a melodic hook in his biggest hit, Freaks.

It’s a reminder that character often matters more than realism. Delay Lama’s unique voice can cut through a mix brilliantly and add an offbeat charm all of its own.

So, whether you are making experimental glitch tracks or massive EDM bangers try adding a bit of Delay Lama in the mix. Note, this plugin does not seem to work with Ableton and some Mac OS’s so check compatibility before downloading.

can be downloaded for free at: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/delay_lama_by_audionerdz

3. 4 Track Music Box by Dehli Musikk

If lullabies had a signature instrument, it would be the music box. These charming little mechanical devices work by plucking tuned metal prongs with pins on a rotating drum, creating delicate, nostalgic melodies. Think of it as an early form of MIDI sequencing.

The resulting sound is peaceful and wistful, sitting somewhere between a glockenspiel and the upper register of a Fender Rhodes. Perfect for evoking innocence, memory, or dreamlike states, a music box can add emotional depth to any genre. It has also been turned on its head in movies like Poltergeist to create an unnerving effect.

Dehli Musikk have done a fantastic job of recreating the charm of an actual music box in this great free virtual instrument. There are additional tools available to shape the sound of the instrument with the option to produce a clean sound or more lofi retro sound.

So what of it’s Practical uses? Try layering it subtly on top of your lead synth for added sparkle, running it through an arpeggiator for twinkling textures, or building entire melodies around it for cinematic or lo-fi vibes. From ambient music to trap beats, this instrument can bring a haunting yet beautiful top end to your productions.

can be downloaded for free at: https://www.dehlimusikk.no/en/products/4-track-music-box/?srsltid=AfmBOor-yMr70F5hXJkow4w9LO7fprqq3mFhhvLw-WT99GdzjjPElWSu

4. Game Boi by NNAudio

Nostalgia can be a powerful tool when producing music. Sounds that have echoes of the past can instantly grab your attention, and for those who grew up playing the classic Nintendo Game Boy, the sounds on this will be instantly recognisable. Game Boi by NNAudio nails the retro aesthetic of the Game Boy with an interface styled after the classic handheld console and a library of instantly recognisable 8-bit tones.

Beyond simple presets, it allows you to layer and combine different chiptune samples for fresh textures, plus four built-in effects modules to push the sound even further.

Its simplicity makes it a fantastic choice when you want to capture gaming nostalgia without endless tweaking. Perfect for synthwave, chiptune, or lo-fi hip hop, but also surprisingly effective as a quirky counter-melody or percussive element in modern electronic tracks.

can be downloaded for free at: https://nnaud.io/product/game-boi-retro-sounds-free-plugin/

5. Mouthin Off By Reflekt Audio

So what could this be with a title like mouthin off? Well, if you’ve ever found yourself fusiously repeating “boots and Cats” then that’s a big clue because this playable percussive instrument is a homage to the human beat box. Featuring 164 authentic samples covering kicks, snares, hi-hats, and vocal percussion effects, it lets you add raw, vocal-driven grooves directly into your productions.

This is a powerful alternative to standard drum machines. Use it for percussive layering to add a human feel, or feature it as a central element with full-on beatbox sections. It’s flexible enough for Hip Hop, Pop, EDM, or even cinematic sound design.

For inspiration, look no further than Timbaland, whose back catalogue is packed with vocal percussion and beatboxing woven seamlessly into his productions. With Mouthing Off, you can bring that same playful, organic energy into your own tracks, without needing to grab a mic yourself.

can be downloaded for free at: https://www.kvraudio.com/product/mouthin-off-by-reflekt-audio

6. RMI Rocksichord by SonicCouture

While not as eccentric as some of the entries here, the Rocksichord is criminally underrated. In the world of vintage keys, the Fender Rhodes usually takes the spotlight, with Clavinets and Hammond organs following close behind. The Rocksichord, first made by RMI in the 1960s, is an electric keyboard that deserves far more recognition. It is featured all over much of The Beach Boys classic recordings, as well as being a favourite of Spiritual Jazz legend Sun Ra.

Using transistor-based sound generation similar to electronic organs, it delivers a versatile range of tones, anywhere from piano-like timbres to harpsichord-style plucks. SonicCouture’s VST version expands on the original with modern sound-shaping tools, effects, and flexibility.

For producers of soulful, jazzy, or psychedelic music, this is a refreshing alternative to the usual suspects. Swap it in for your go-to electric piano plugin, and you might find it adds exactly the kind of unique character your track needs.

can be downloaded for free at: https://www.soniccouture.com/en/products/p58-rmi-rocksichord/

7. Hurdy Gurdy by Sonokinetic

To close out this list, we’re going medieval with one of the most unusual instruments you’re ever likely to encounter. The wonderfully named Hurdy Gurdy. Dating back over 500 years, the hurdy gurdy is a stringed instrument played by turning a hand crank that rubs a wheel against the strings, while keys are pressed to change pitch. The result? A hypnotic, droning tone that feels equal parts rustic and mystical.

Sonokinetic’s sampled version, recorded from a hand-crafted Dutch “Draailier” hurdy gurdy, captures all the quirks and character of the real thing. On first listen, it might transport you straight into a scene from Lord of the Rings or a medieval fair, but its potential goes way beyond folk-inspired arrangements.

Yes, it’s perfect for Celtic, folk, or fantasy-inspired cinematic productions, but why stop there? Run it through heavy distortion for a gritty texture and throw it into a dubstep track for some Arthurian flavour. Or process it with wah-wah and delay for a 1970s psychedelic twist. The droning, sustained character of the hurdy gurdy makes it an ideal candidate for layering with modern production effects.

can be downloaded for free at: https://www.sonokinetic.net/products/classical/hurdygurdy/?srsltid=AfmBOoon0AI5YVGKiYHExm2IVVheJ9Cm1AFrQRO-C0Dm_Xng5aLtIDTm

Conclusion

And that’s the real takeaway from this whole list: don’t be afraid to throw listeners a curveball. Contemporary genres like EDM, hip hop, and experimental electronic music thrive on bending expectations. By dropping an instrument as unconventional as the hurdy gurdy into the mix, you can spark surprise, curiosity, and maybe even a new signature sound.

Hopefully, this roundup has encouraged you to look past the usual suspects and embrace the leftfield. After all, many of the most memorable productions are often the ones that dare to be different.

And if you are looking for Beats or Samples for your next project then RouteNote Create has you covered. sign-up now and take your music to the next level