A category of musical instrument defined by the Harvard Dictionary of
Music to extend the categories established by ethnomusicologists
Erich Hornbostel and Curt Sachs. From the Greek -phone
(sound or voice) and New Latin electricus- (electric)
Electrophones are a relatively new category of musical instrument that
produce sound through the use of electronic devices. This usually
utilizes a loudspeaker and often electronics like DSPs and DACs.
Electrophones usually are some form of synthesizer, but may also include
electric guitars (which may also be a chordophone).
See Also: membranophone, chordophone, aerophone, idiophone.