MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

They are classified by family: plucked, struck, or bowed strings; woodwind or brass; and melodic or rhythmic percussion, including the drum kit. Strings are plucked with the fingers in the case of the harp and guitar, or via a keyboard for the harpsichord and spinet; they are struck in the case of the piano and cymbalum, and finally bowed with a horsehair bow for the violin or cello. In short, since the dawn of time, man has designed sonorous and melodious instruments to accompany or replace the human voice. The first of these, the five-hole flute, dates back to 35,000 BC. The Musical Instrument Museum in Berlin displays more than 3,500 instruments, while the one in Brussels houses ,8000. Paris, Basel, and Rome also have museums where one can admire the masterpieces of instrument makers from around the world. These are not merely tools, but works of art of great beauty created by renowned guilds of technicians. They are faithful reflections of the art and craftsmanship of their era. Their condition, rarity, and period determine their value, which only your expert can provide, along with advice on making sound acquisitions.