Catalogue of the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments (Classic Reprint)

Explore a richly detailed catalog of historical musical instruments and how they work. This nonfiction volume presents the Stearns Collection through descriptive entries, technical diagrams, and provenance notes that illuminate the craft and history behind each instrument.The book surveys a wide range of devices, from self‑playing concertinas to Victrolas, upright pianos, and early wind instruments. Each entry includes practical details such as construction, dimensions, and operation, helping readers understand how sound was produced and how technologies evolved over time. The writing emphasizes context and significance while staying focused on the evidence visible in the collection.- See how bellows, reeds, and valves create tone and function in mechanical instruments.- Learn about the materials, measurements, and signatures that identify models and origins.- Get insight into how modern acoustics and design influenced instrument development.- Trace the lineage of sound production from ancient harps to early electronic devices.Ideal for readers of museum catalogs, instrument enthusiasts, students, and anyone curious about the history and mechanics of musical instruments. Read more