The xylophone also known in Ghana as the gyil is made of 14 wooden slats strung across calabash gourd resonators. The buzzy rattle emitted with each note comes from the silk walls of spiders’ egg sacs stretched across holes in the gourds. The gyil’s earthy sound can be heard in parts of Upper West and Northern Regions of Ghana by the Dagaare, Sisaala and the Lobi people. Two things about Ghanaian gyil music that are likely to grab a first-time listener: the deep, resonant buzz of the bass notes,

This instrument sounds like a synth to my ears! Marimbas in Costa Rica (as well as across Central America) are typically designed to produce a distinctive buzzing sound (similiar to the gyil and balafon in West Africa). This particular marimba was constructed by Don Miguel, the most renowned marimba maker in Costa Rican history. I’m excited for more hands-on experience with the idiophones of the world! 📍 @universidaddecostarica 🎥 @yoyopercu #marimba #idiophone #vibraphone #percussion #costaric