Many instruments have been conceived, designed and build adding different musical possibilities to the ones in existence in traditional Western art and popular music. The “New” factor could range from mere adjustments or modifications to traditional instruments, altering or expanding the tonal spectrum to instruments that would bring one or more totally new musical aspects, to instruments that weren’t necessarily meant for musical purposes but were utilized to that end nonetheless. Some “New” instruments have become obsolete because of technological developments others have been abandoned because of impracticality and some might be still waiting for proper employment.

Mentioned here are New Instruments that do (did) allow for New Music to be made.