Determining the fanciest musical instrument is no easy task, as fancy is subjective and preferences vary. However, there are certain instruments that stand out for their elaborate craftsmanship, exquisite materials, and association with wealth and prestige. In this article, we will explore some of the top contenders for the title of “most fancy instrument” and look at what makes them so special.
The Violin
One of the first instruments that comes to mind when thinking of fancy is the violin. Handcrafted violins by master luthiers using rare woods and built to exacting standards can fetch prices upward of millions of dollars. The most expensive violin ever sold at auction was a Stradivarius called the “Lady Blunt” which sold for $15.9 million in 2011. Made in 1721 during Stradivari’s “golden period,” it is renowned for its exceptional sound quality and pristine condition. While not every violin commands such astronomical prices, even entry-level instruments from reputable brands use quality materials and craftsmanship.
Beyond just the build quality, the violin carries an air of sophistication and class. It is the lead instrument of the orchestra and is featured prominently in chamber music and solo performances. The sweet, singing tone of the violin evokes imagery of formal concert halls and elegant balls. Its delicate sound contrasts with many other louder, brassier instruments. The skill required to play the violin well also adds to its prestige. Given its history, tone, and technical demands, it’s easy to see why the violin has a reputation as one of the fanciest instruments.
The Harp
Another orchestral instrument associated with wealth and nobility is the harp. These gorgeously crafted instruments often feature elaborate carved bodies, standing anywhere from 5 to 6 feet tall. Concert harps have a range of over six octaves and employ complex lever-and-pedal mechanisms to change pitches. Top-tier pedal harps from brands like Lyon & Healy and Salvi cost between $15,000-$30,000. Even smaller folk harps can run thousands of dollars. Their eye-catching appearance paired with the angelic sounds they produce make harps a quintessential fancy instrument.
In addition to looks, harps also carry strong ties to tradition. In medieval Europe, harps were popular among royal courts. Queen Marie Antoinette played the harp, cementing its association with nobility. Harps frequently appeared in ancient mythology, played by gods and muses. Today, orchestral harpists often perform in elegant concert gowns, contributing to the instrument’s aura of distinction and refinement. Between history, visual beauty, and ethereal voice, it’s clear why so many people view the harp as one of the fanciest instruments around.
The Pipe Organ
When it comes to size and complexity, few instruments can compete with the pipe organ. These massive instruments often feature thousands of individual pipes arranged into sets that produce different timbres and pitches. The pipes are housed in huge cabinets ornately decorated to match the architecture of cathedrals and churches. Some monumental organs like the Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ in Atlantic City, NJ have over 33,000 pipes and require seven keyboards and over 400 stops to control all their sonic capabilities.
In addition to the visual spectacle, pipe organs also create an incredibly rich, multidimensional sound. The bass pipes produce Earth-shaking, bone-rattling tones felt more than heard. Soaring high registers sound closer to the voices of angels. In between sit vast ranges of woodwinds, strings, brass, and more. Pipe organs are designed to be the centerpiece of religious services and spaces, lending immense power and grandeur to the environment.
Given the massive scale, architectural presence, and spiritual association, pipe organs clearly represent an elite tier of fancy musical instruments. Their unique voice has had an indelible influence on classical music over centuries, cementing their importance. While not as portable or accessible as other instruments, pipe organs undoubtedly stand in a league of their own when it comes to prestige and magnificence.
Most Expensive Pipe Organs
| Pipe Organ | Location | Number of Pipes | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boardwalk Hall Auditorium Organ | Atlantic City, NJ | 33,114 | $3 million |
| Sydney Town Hall Grand Organ | Sydney, Australia | 9,568 | $3 million |
| Macy’s Organ | Philadelphia, PA | 28,500 | $1.2 million |
The Grand Piano
When it comes to keyboard instruments, few match the majesty and elegance of the grand piano. These large, horizontally strung pianos produce a rich, sonorous sound that fills concert halls. Many famous classical composers like Chopin, Liszt, and Rachmaninoff wrote works specifically for the grand piano. High-end concert grands from legendary brands like Bösendorfer and Steinway & Sons cost upwards of $150,000.
Beyond just sound quality, grand pianos also make a visual statement. Their gleaming finish, graceful curves, and intricate details give them an undeniable beauty and presence. Concert grands often feature artistically carved music stands and around 240 strings strung across a cast-iron frame. Grand pianos carry an inherent prestige as the pinnacle of piano manufacturing and performance. Their critical role in classical music solidifies their reputation as elite, high-class instruments.
Most Expensive Grand Pianos
| Piano | Brand | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fibonacci Grand Piano | Bösendorfer | Gold-plated parts, decorative mother-of-pearl | $2.4 million |
| Steinway & Sons Model K | Steinway & Sons | 9′ concert grand piano | $596,100 |
| Steinway & Sons Model D | Steinway & Sons | 8′ 6″ concert grand piano | $149,900 |
The French Horn
The French horn also deserves consideration for the title of “fanciest instrument.” While not as outwardly flashy as some other entries, French horns feature intricate tubing wrapped into a distinct circular shape. Their construction allows for a wide range of dynamics and tone colors, from velvety and mellow to rich and regal. French horn calls often signal the start of the hunt or announce the arrival of royalty, leaning into its aristocratic associations.
Many consider the French horn one of the most difficult orchestral instruments to master. Producing clear notes across its vast range requires precise breath control and lip flexibility. The complex set of valves and hand stopping techniques used to select pitches also contribute to its reputation for technical mastery. Given the skill required, French horn players often enjoy an elite status in the brass community. All these qualities lend the French horn an undeniable air of sophistication.
The Cello
The cello, often considered the closest instrument to the human voice in its range and expression, also deserves consideration as a highly refined instrument. Handcrafted cellos by old-world luthiers sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Like violins, cellos thrive on subtle nuances of wood selection, varnish formulas, and workmanship. Their mellow, burnished voices convey the depths of human emotion.
Many influential composers wrote extensively for the cello, including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff. The instrument plays critical melodic and harmonic roles in chamber music as well as symphonic works. Iconic virtuosos like Yo-Yo Ma and Jacqueline du Pré have also cemented the cello’s prestige through their masterful artistry. Whether singing a melodic line or providing a subterranean bass foundation, the cello’s warm, resonant sound never fails to add rich sophistication.
Conclusion
While we’ve highlighted some standout contenders here, almost any instrument played at the highest levels of artistry could stake a claim as the fanciest of its kind. Rare Stradivarius violas, handcrafted oboes with unique timbers, or Steinway pianos personalized for top concert artists all represent the pinnacle of their respective instrument families. In the end, fanciness lies in the eyes and ears of the beholder.
More important than any one instrument’s claim to prestige is the passion musicians pour into their music. Even humble instruments played with sincerity and skill can produce sounds every bit as beautiful and meaningful as those from elite instruments. The love and dedication musicians invest in their craft gives all instruments the potential for greatness.