My Greek Instrument Mess-Around
So I figured out a way to get my hands on replica lyres and auloses. Well, sorta.
First up, I hunted online for decent cheap replicas. Found this supposedly “ancient Greek style” lyre for 50 bucks. Looked the part – like a fancy U-shaped wooden thing with strings stretched across it. Came with a pick thing too. The aulos? Found a double-pipe version from a medieval music shop. More expensive. Took ages to arrive too.
Just Looking at ‘Em
- The lyre felt way lighter than I thought. Just a bit bigger than my laptop. Wood felt smooth and warmer under my fingers. Strings were tight. Had 7 of them, kinda like a mini sideways harp.
- The aulos was a shock. Heavy! Made of solid wood or maybe bone-look stuff. Two pipes stuck together. Each pipe had holes drilled along it like a recorder on steroids. Mouthpiece was super skinny – almost like trying to blow into two straws at once. Looked seriously awkward to hold.
Actually Trying to Play
Started simple with the lyre. Plucked one string with the pick. Made a soft ‘ping’ sound. Nice! Plucked another string – different note. Okay, I get it. Tried strumming a few strings together. Sounded messy, but musical. Felt like I could kinda control the sound easily.
Then came the aulos. Disaster city. Took a deep breath and tried blowing into both pipes. All I got was this weak, pathetic whistle noise. Like air escaping a balloon. Annoying. Tried harder, blowing like my life depended on it. Suddenly – HONK! So loud! Made me jump. Sounded like an angry goose attacking my ear.
Covered some holes with my fingers like the instructions showed. Blew again. Different honk! But man, it took insane lung power. My cheeks hurt after a minute. Couldn’t manage anything like a tune. Sounded harsh and sharp compared to the lyre’s softer twang. Neighbors probably hated me.
Why They’re Not Twins
Totally get the difference now:
- The lyre is chill. You sit down, pluck or strum strings with fingers or a pick. Makes soft, harmonic sounds. Gentle music. Feels peaceful. Almost meditative.
- The aulos is a beast. Need serious breath control – like running and playing flute at the same time. Loud, piercing, kinda reedy sound. Made for wild parties or war cries, not lullabies. Takes muscle and crazy focus.
Honestly, trying them myself made it real. The lyre’s approachable. Pick it up, make some sounds. The aulos? Felt like wrestling an angry goose. Made me respect those old Greek musicians way more. Imagine playing that thing for hours at a festival! Noisy neighbors aside, super cool to actually feel the difference instead of just reading about it.
