Reads, we hear, the instrumental parts (5)
I believe the answer is:
reeds
'parts' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for reeds that I've seen before include "Plants providing thatching material" , "Stops" , "Grasses at river's edge" , "Tall stiff marsh grasses" , "Long grasses" .)