Musical Instruments of the World: An Illustrated Encyclopedia

by The Diagram Group

Examines the history and mechanical structure of wind, percussion, string, and electronic instruments, discusses ancient and foreign instruments, and offers brief profiles of composers, performers and inventors responsible for new developments

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Reference, Humanities

Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Robert Hund]

An illustrated encyclopedia. references to many intersting and obscure instruments, including the "Nose Flute".

[Kevin Lester]

Dated but excellent guide for historical instruments and their families. Love the “genetic” approach to music families. Also breaks down by region and includes illustrations of players holding the instruments.

[Thomas Schulte]

I love taxonomies and music, so this has been a great reference and fun to look through for pleasure or more information on a musical instrument seen on a recording or on stage. this is based on the von Hornbostel-Sachs system so has a chapter each for chordophones (stringed instruments), membranophones ( drums, etc., aerophones (winds) and mechanical
or electrical. it's richly illustrated and methodically organized as well as comprehensive. additional chapters focus on regions, history, ensembles, and makers.

[M. W.]

This is a great reference. If you're like me and you see a weird instrument on stage during a performance and need to know it's name and history, this is the book for you. ...and if you know what "Collegium Musicum" means, you are probably enough of a music nerd to own a copy.

[Judith]

This is a great to have if you want to see what a instrument looks like.
I use it regularly in my music teaching when discussing various instruments.

[Clivemichael]

Beautiful photos and evocative descriptions