7 Unusual Instruments Tom Waits Used on Swordfishtrombones

Banjo Waits used banjo to add a ragged, folk edge to the album’s sound.

Accordion The accordion gave several tracks a wheezing, carnival-like atmosphere.

Bass-marimba This deep wooden percussion instrument provided a rumbling, rhythmic foundation.

Metal aunglongs These tuned Burmese gongs contributed metallic, bell-like tones.

African squeeze drum This hand-held drum added a raw, percussive pulse.

Calliope The steam-powered organ lent a circus-like, eerie quality to the music.

Harmonium This reed organ brought a droning, melancholic texture to the arrangements.