I play guitar, t-bone (+various low brass). I'm not planning on bring a tuba or anything like that on board, but I will bring my Martin Backpacker, and probably another acoustic. I was thinking about attaching some
teak strips to the underside of the
deck above the V-berth, and then suspending a net between them. The guitar would be easily accessable, and out of the way.
Another cool instrument is the
didgeridoo
It is basically a low drone, but you add other effects by humming while buzzing. Plus, just about any pipe can be used for this. We made some with 2" PVC pipe, wrapped with collored twine for decoration. The 'mouthpiece' was shaped out of beeswax. Not that you need a mouthpiece, but it was better than the sharp pvc edge.
There is also the
Mbira or african thumb piano. Small, and very hypnotic. Only played one in an eclectic
music store once, but it was fun and anyone could entertain themselves on it. I've heard it in concert with the
Kora
and a
Griot and I was absolutely spellbound.
I'm sure there are so-called primitive
instruments from many custures that would hold up well on a
boat, whether for short or extended cruises.
A friend who studied capoeira made me a
Berimbau which would probably travel well too.