Musical Instrument Museum

While in Phoenix last week we visited the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) at the recommendation of The THC Daughter.  It turned out to be one of the most entertaining museums we've been in.  We only saw part of the exhibits and will be returning on future visits.

MIM features instruments and music from around the world.  One of its best features is the audio system you are given upon admittance.  There is no need to fiddle with any dials - as you approach the video at each exhibit it automatically links into its music.

The top floor exhibits music from every region and most countries of the world, showing common instruments and featuring clips of typical music.

My favorite music on this floor was from Mali - three guys playing lutes!
My favorite instrument was this South African guitar with a body made from a can of Castrol Oil.

If you're curious about the instruments and music of Tajikistan this is the museum for you.

The only country exhibit with no instruments is North Korea.

Let me hear your balalaikas ringing out!

At this museum Serbia coexists peacefully with its former Yugoslavian neighbors.

This exhibit of German/Swiss Brass Band instruments reminded us of being in Chamonix, France in 1977 under the shadow of Mount Blanc when the future Mrs THC had a raging fever and a loud oompah-band playing very late at our hotel drove us from our room on the second floor ever upwards till we found an unoccupied, and unlocked, room on the top floor where we spent the rest of the night.

Looking for accordions?  MIM has got 'em.

You can see conventional organs:

Or, my favorite, a Hammond B-3, which, when played through a Leslie speaker, appeared in many classic 60s and 70s tunes.  This is Greg Rolie of Santana playing the Hammond on Soul Sacrifice.

Here's a collection of foot pedals for electric guitars!  OK, I guess I was getting a little carried away.

The bottom floor of MIM features special exhibits.  Women in Rock, which starts with the blues singer Bessie Smith, was open while we were there and along with an exhibit featuring several other musicians including Eric Clapton, Roy Orbison and Dick Dale (the King of Surf Music) as well as a room featuring automated music including this beauty:

MIM is located on the outskirts of Phoenix but well worth taking your time to see it if you are in the area.