Musical instrument classification by Erich von Hornbostel – Curt Sachs, in which the generator of sound is a column of vibrating air. The basic types of aerophones include:
Free Aerophones – Instruments in which the vibrating air is not confined by the instrument: a) Interruptive Free; b) Free Reed
Wind Instruments Proper -The vibrating air is confined within the instrument itself: a) Edge-blown Flutes; b) Lip Vibrated; c) Reedpipes
Category of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is a vibrating stretched string. There are five basic types including: a) Musical Bow; b) Harp; c) Lyre; d) Lute; and e) Zither.
Sometimes these terms can be combined (such as “bow-harp” or “harp-lute”) or extended (such as “pluri-arc” meaning ‘many bows’). They may also be identified by how they are played: Bowed – Plucked – Struck – Strummed. Chordophones is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel – Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification.
Category of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is the object itself – a resonant solid material, such as wood, metal, or stone. Basic types of idiophones include: a) Struck – directly and indirectly; b) Plucked – “Lamellophones;” and c) Friction. It is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel – Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification.
Category of musical instruments in which the generator of sound is the vibration of a stretched skin or membrane. Basic types of membranophones include: a) Struck – directly and indirectly;” b) Friction; and c) Singing. It is one of the four main categories in the original Erich von Hornbostel – Curt Sachs scheme of musical instrument classification.
Items that relate to musical instruments and performance, such as memorabilia, costumes, regalia, and photographs are listed in the “Other” category. In the Europe and United States Gallery you can find various mouthpieces, mutes, bows and auxiliary equipment used by musicians. The transmission of sound, such as phonographs, microphones, recording equipment, and the recordings themselves in various formats are also listed in the Europe and United States and in the American Jazz Galleries, under the “Other” category.
