The Xylophone’s Origin Story: When Was This Instrument Invented? The xylophone is an ancient percussion instrument with a rich history. It spans thousands of years, captivating music historians for centuries. The earliest known xylophone dates back to the 9th century in Southeast Asia. The term “xylophone” comes from Greek words “xylon” meaning wood and “phone” meaning sound. Its history is complex, evolving from various mallet percussion instruments. This makes studying xylophone history both i