What is the name for an instrument that makes sound through a vibrating solid?

• A. Aerophone
• B. Vocal
• C. Idiophone
• D. Membranophone

Answer: (C)

Sound is produced by the vibrating solid of the instrument itself in this case. An idiophone gets its name because the material of the instrument—wood, metal, stone, etc.—vibrates to create the sound, without needing a membrane or an air column. When you strike or otherwise excite the instrument, that solid body vibrates and sends out the sound. This is why items like xylophones, wood blocks, bells, and cymbals are idiophones. By contrast, aerophones generate sound from vibrating air, membranophones rely on a stretched membrane, and the voice uses the vocal apparatus to produce sound. So, the instrument described is an idiophone.