Why are we allowed to play only certain musical instruments in sacrament meeting?

Photo illustration by Craig Dimond

“Music [in Church meetings] should be worshipful and fit the spirit of the meeting. Priesthood leaders determine what is suitable” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 14.4). This guideline also applies to the instruments used to perform music in sacrament meeting. “Instruments with a prominent or less worshipful sound, such as most brass and percussion, are not appropriate for sacrament meeting” (Handbook 2, 14.4.2). So, besides brass and percussion instruments, what other instruments sound “prominent or less worshipful,” and which ones are appropriate? Your bishop and stake president are the ones who answer that question in your ward and stake.