Which instrument family produces sound primarily from vibrating solids such as wood or metal?

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

Answer: (A)

Sound is produced by the instrument’s own solid material vibrating. In this family, the body itself—made of wood, metal, or other solids—vibrates when you strike, rub, or shake it, creating the sound. This is different from drums that use a stretched membrane, wind instruments that rely on vibrating air, or voices. Examples like xylophones, wood blocks, bells, and cymbals illustrate how the solid materials themselves carry and radiate the tone. Because the question highlights solids such as wood or metal as the vibrating source, the correct family is idiophone.