Instruments that just ruin whatever track they are on

The Sting/Police thread got me thinking about instruments, that when I hear them on a track, just make me want to cover my ears and make it stop... make it stop.

My list:

• Roland guitar synth - wretched. I actually owned one. It always sounds like a cheap toy.
• Ovation acoustics (or any first generation saddle piezo pickup system) - OMG, I just can't stand bad sounding live acoustic guitar. Nasty.
• Yamaha CP-70 Electric Grand Piano - It absolutely ruins Tull "Live Bursting Out" anytime you can hear it in the mix.

 

Does Autotune count? It should be burned with hellfire.

 

any that im playing do the trick

 

Vuvuzelas?

 

Simmons pads - in the running for worst product made with a combination of plywood and plastic.

 

I dunno...the Theremin?

 

Contrabass sarousaphone every time.

 

Bagpipes not the first response?

Interesting....

 

Digital synths and drum machines for me.

 

Chapman Stick - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia »

 

"It's a Long Way To The Top" and "In A Big Country" are improved for the bagpipes being there.

 

agree with bagpipes. the 80's drum machines where every hit was the same velocity for sure.

 

More cowbell please

 

Guitars pretending to be bagpipes I can forgive....Big Country are OK by me!

 

Reminds me of an old joke:

What's the definition of "perfect pitch"? When you throw an accordion in a dumpster. And it lands on a banjo.

 

Accordion. Always sounds like a polka, no matter what kind of music it's being played in. Spoils pop, jazz and/or classical music equally. (And yes, this includes the Bandoneon. Astor Piazzolla, I'm lookin' at you.)

 

The piccolo

 

The guitar.

 

Out of tune guitar that clashes with other instruments in the worst way.

 

I think we've been here before, and my answer's still the same:

Steel drums and chromatic harps.

The masochist in me wonders - any songs that use both?

 

Ah, the accordion. Kudos to those who brought it up. (I didn't think of it) but I agree 1 million percent. The accordion is like nails on a chalkboard for me. And guess what instrument my neighbor loves to play as he walks throughout the inside and outside of his home? Argh.

 

Bonzo's Montreux

 

The recorder is a disgusting instrument that serves no function

 

The recorder serves a great function of irritating a kid's siblings.

 

This. I hate the way Ovations sound. What a bad idea those were.

Also, whatever that fiendish thingie is that the Beatles used on Baby You're A Rich Man.