The Amazing Race 23: Instrument List
/I posted a list like this for a previous cycle of the show… people seemed to enjoy it, so i'm doing it again.
One of the biggest challenges—and greatest joys—of scoring The Amazing Race is creating the right palette for each episode. I draw from a massive collection of world instruments, amassed over the course of the thirteen years I've worked on the show, to devise a unique sound for each country and region. Most of the sounds I use are sampled instruments, due to time and budget demands, but I do occasionally have the pleasure of hosting musicians here at the studio.
Here's the list of instruments used in the creation of the score for The Amazing Race 23, grouped by instrumental family. These are in addition to the usual complement of orchestral instruments that make up my core composing template.
Percussion Instruments
Frame drum
Tambourines
Conga
Bongos
Dumbek
Cajon
Batajon
Djembe
Dhol
Bendir
Darabouka
Gongs (tuned)
Angklung
Suir
Gamelan ensembles (multiple)
Finger cymbals
Taiko drums
Stringed Instruments
Charango
Guitar (steel string, nylon string, 12-string)
Mandolin
Banjo
Hardanger fiddle
Erhu
Pipa
Koto
Kemenche
Qanun
Tar
Wind Instruments
Bagpipes
Alpenhorn
Zurna
Panpipes
Ney flute
Bamboo flute
Shakuhachi
Native American flute
Keyboard Instruments
Accordion
Harpsichord
Dulcimer (hammered)