The Growing Sounds of Acoustic Music

As bluegrass and folk sounds found their way into mainstream popular music, they have generated tremendous interest in acoustic musical instruments. The growing demand is being fostered by a steady stream of music with a bluegrass and folk sound from artists such as Taylor Swift, Mumford & Sons, and The Band Perry. Traditionally acoustic performances have still included the electric bass guitars and full drum sets which are found in the produced versions of the music. But more and more, they are being replaced with acoustic basses and alternative percussion such as cajons, world drums, and hand held percussion. In addition, acoustic instruments such as the banjo, mandolin, ukulele, and resonators are finding important places in popular music.

As Bruce Weber of Weber Fine Musical Instruments has recently remarked, “As people listen and relate to the emotions easily evoked by the clean, yet extraordinary sound in acoustic music, they are undoubtedly drawn to those instruments,” he said. “Some of the current musicians have blown the idea that these instruments are confined to a certain musical genre out of the water, drawing everyone from old rockers to amazingly talented young grunge players to the acoustic family.”