1. Banjo: The banjo, particularly the tenor and plectrum banjos, was widely used in early jazz, especially in the Dixieland style. However, its popularity gradually diminished in the swing era and beyond, as other string instruments like the guitar gained prominence.
2. Sousaphone: The sousaphone, a large and low-pitched brass instrument, was commonly employed in early jazz bands. It was particularly associated with marching bands and outdoor performances. However, its use in jazz diminished over time, and the tuba became more widely adopted as the primary bass instrument.
3. Washboard: The washboard was frequently used as a percussion instrument in early jazz bands, especially in the jug bands and washboard bands. It involved scraping a metal or wooden washboard with thimbles or metal slides. However, the washboard was phased out as jazz evolved, giving way to more conventional percussion instruments like the drum kit.
4. Kazoo: The kazoo, a small membranophone that creates a distinctive, buzzing sound, was sometimes featured in early jazz as a novelty or comedic instrument. However, it did not sustain its popularity and became less common in later periods of jazz.
5. Cornet: While still occasionally used in jazz, the cornet, a small member of the trumpet family, became less prevalent as jazz moved towards big band swing and later styles that favored the brighter and louder sound of the trumpet.
6. Melodica: The melodica, a keyboard-based wind instrument, was occasionally employed in early jazz. However, it never gained widespread acceptance and remained a relatively niche instrument.
7. C-Melody Saxophone: The C-melody saxophone, pitched between the alto and tenor saxophones, was somewhat popular in the 1920s and 1930s. However, its popularity waned, and it was eventually replaced by the more versatile alto and tenor saxophones.
These instruments were significant in shaping the sound and character of early jazz, but their gradual decline or diminished usage resulted from various factors, including changes in musical styles, technological advancements, and shifts in listener preferences.