Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

Physical DescriptionIron fife.Specific HistoryThis fife from the period of the American Revolution was unearthed on Red Bank battleground in 1800 near the New Jersey Monument.General HistoryA fife is a small transverse flute, pitched to B-flat.
Description
Physical Description
Iron fife.
Specific History
This fife from the period of the American Revolution was unearthed on Red Bank battleground in 1800 near the New Jersey Monument.
General History
A fife is a small transverse flute, pitched to B-flat. There are six holes and no keys.
"The drum and fife regulated the Revolutionary War soldier's life. By commands of music, the soldier was notified when to awake in the mornings, when to attend drill, when to stop for meals, and when to report for pay. While on the march, music assisted with cadence and order, helping men to march in time. Music encouraged soldiers to press a march or attack with vigor."
"Orders were also given using whistles, blowing horns, and bagpipes. Music and songs in camp lifted soldiers' spirits following exhausting duty. They helped build fellowship in the regiments."
"Drums have been used to convey commands since ancient times. They provide distinct sounds that can be heard for great distances. The drum was the very voice and tongue of the commander. After the adoption of firearms, the fife came into use. Its peculiar piercing sound transcended the noise of men and gunfire, and added melody to the drumbeats. By the Revolution, armies had adopted a system of commands given by the drum and fife, which could rapidly communicate orders to whole armies at one time."
From National Park Service Collections American Revolutionary War: Guilford Courthouse.
ID Number
AF.58146M
catalog number
58146M
accession number
204703
This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1993 - "Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)," by Neil Moret. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 15-1/2” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1901-1902
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.12
catalog number
378567.12
accession number
144168
This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1881 - "The Wedding of the Reuben and the Maid," music by Maurice Levi and lyrcis by Harry Bache Smith.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1901-1902. It is Regina Disc #1881 - "The Wedding of the Reuben and the Maid," music by Maurice Levi and lyrcis by Harry Bache Smith. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 15-1/2” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1901-1902
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.378567.09
catalog number
378567.09
accession number
144168
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Rambling Wreck From Georgia Tech (track 1) Hail to Georgia (track 2) Cavalier Song/Virginia, Hail, All Hail (track 3); side 2: Carolina's Day (track 1) Hark!
Description
All-American Glee Club. side 1: Rambling Wreck From Georgia Tech (track 1) Hail to Georgia (track 2) Cavalier Song/Virginia, Hail, All Hail (track 3); side 2: Carolina's Day (track 1) Hark! The Sound of Tarheel Voice/Here Comes Carolina (track 2) (Victor 26684), from the album, College Songs, Vol. 3 - Southern (Victor P 34).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1940
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0384.25
accession number
1988.0384
maker number
26684
catalog number
1988.0384.25
This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1897-1899. It is Regina Disc #4365 - Faust "All Hail" (cavatina), by Charles Gounod.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, around 1897-1899. It is Regina Disc #4365 - Faust "All Hail" (cavatina), by Charles Gounod. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
1897-1899
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.72.26.39
accession number
299195
catalog number
72.26.39
maker number
4365
This timbale set was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999.
Description (Brief)

This timbale set was made by Latin Percussion Inc. in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1999. They are “Tito Puente Thunder Tims,” with two brass drums (15” and 16” diameters), a metal stand for drums, and metal bracket with two metal cow bells and one blue “Jam Block,” and a brass cymbal with a stand.

As indicated in an LP brochure from the period, “When LP Music Group was founded in the 1960's, timbales were only heard in Latin music. Today, more than three decades later, all genres of music have embraced this versatile percussion instrument. LP's experience in building timbales has resulted in a distinctive, modern shell, that uses a ribbed design with both top and bottom edges turned in, to create a livelier, more cutting "cascara" (the sound produced when striking the side of the shell). LP's timbale construction has been tested on world tours from Japan to South America to ensure it withstands the rigors of the road. All LP Tito Puente Timbales, Thunder Timbs, and Timbalitos are sold complete with a chrome plated, heavy duty, steel Timbale Stand. The stand has a die cast, geared tilter that locks in tight for either straight or tilted playing. The height adjustment mechanism ensures absolute, non-slip, positive positioning, with only hand tightening needed, and also has an anti-rattle sleeve. It comes complete with an adjustable cowbell holder made from welded steel and features LP's superior eye-bolt assembly. LP Timbale Shells are available in either genuine stainless steel or solid brass; each possessing its own distinct sound. The genuine stainless-steel shells produce very bright and crisp loud sounds, while the solid brass shells produce warmer, sounds. LP offers three different styles. They are standard Timbales, deeper Thunder Timbs, and small diameter Timbalitos.”

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1999
maker
Latin Percussion
ID Number
2000.3039.03
catalog number
2000.3039.03
nonaccession number
2000.3039
This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4026 - "The Washington Post March," by John Philip Sousa.
Description

This music box disc was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1896. It is Regina Disc #4026 - "The Washington Post March," by John Philip Sousa. This disc is playable in a Regina Disc Music Box that can accommodate a 27” diameter disc.

This disc features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #417649, dated December 17, 1889 by Oskar Paul Lochmann for a music plate for mechanical instruments.

U. S. Patent #500374, dated June 27, 1893 by Gustav A. Brachhausen and Paul Riessner for a note-plate for music boxes.

Location
Currently not on view
manufacturing date
ca 1896
composer
Sousa, John Philip
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.74.12.02
catalog number
74.12.02
accession number
314637
Charlie and Ray. side 1: My Lovin' Baby; side 2: Take a Look At Me (Herald H-447).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Charlie and Ray. side 1: My Lovin' Baby; side 2: Take a Look At Me (Herald H-447).78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
release date
1955
recording artist
Charlie and Ray
composer
Jones, Charles
manufacturer
Herald
ID Number
1996.0153.08702
catalog number
1996.0153.08702
label number
H-447
accession number
1996.0153
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1944
depicted (sitter)
Spivak, Charlie
maker
RCA Corporation
ID Number
1989.0041.05
accession number
1989.0041
catalog number
1989.0041.05
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: St. Louis Blues; side 2: Nick La Rocca and the Original Dixieland Band. Clarinet Marmalade (Victor 25411).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. side 1: St. Louis Blues; side 2: Nick La Rocca and the Original Dixieland Band. Clarinet Marmalade (Victor 25411).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
La Rocca, Nick
Original Dixieland Band
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1063
catalog number
1988.0698.1063
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G35
maker number
25411
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. St. Louis Blues; side 2: Nick La Rocca and The Original Dixieland Band. Clarinet Marmalade (Victor 25411).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
side 1: Benny Goodman and his Orchestra. St. Louis Blues; side 2: Nick La Rocca and The Original Dixieland Band. Clarinet Marmalade (Victor 25411).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman and his Orchestra
La Rocca, Nick
Original Dixieland Band
composer
Handy, W. C.
Ragas, H. W.
Shields, Larry
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1993.0102.087
catalog number
1993.0102.087
accession number
1993.0102
maker number
25411
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
ID Number
2016.0032.080
accession number
2016.0032
catalog number
2016.0032.080
Benny Goodman Quartet. side 1: Stompin' at the Savoy; side 2: Vibraphone Blues (Victor 25521).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman Quartet. side 1: Stompin' at the Savoy; side 2: Vibraphone Blues (Victor 25521).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1936
recording artist
Benny Goodman Quartet
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1095
catalog number
1988.0698.1095
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G67
maker number
25521
This music box stand was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1898-1900. It is on castors, with two doors in the front revealing 6 sliding drawers for storing discs. Accessioned with Regina Disc-Changing Orchestral Corona model No. 33 music box. (Cat.
Description

This music box stand was made by Regina Music Box Co. in Rahway, New Jersey, about 1898-1900. It is on castors, with two doors in the front revealing 6 sliding drawers for storing discs. Accessioned with Regina Disc-Changing Orchestral Corona model No. 33 music box. (Cat. MI.72.25)

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1989-1900
maker
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.72.25.01
catalog number
72.25.01
accession number
299195
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description
Johnny Otis Orchestra. side 1: Turkey Hop [part 1]; side 2: Turkey Hop [part 2] (Savoy 732).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1950
recording artist
Johnny Otis Orchestra
manufacturer
Savoy
ID Number
1991.0305.250
maker number
732
catalog number
1991.0305.250
accession number
1991.0305
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1076 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1076 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.218
catalog number
73.01.11.218
maker number
1076
accession number
301414
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1205 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1205 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.001
maker number
1205
accession number
301414
catalog number
73.01.11.001
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1879 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1879 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.130
catalog number
73.01.11.130
maker number
1879
accession number
301414
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244), 78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.Currently not on view
Description
Jimmie Rodgers. side 1: Frankie and Johnny; side 2: The Brakeman's Blues (RCA Victor 21-0044), from the album, Yodeling Yours (RCA Victor P 244),
78 rpm. Side 1 was recorded in 1929. Side 2 was recorded in 1928. The album was released in 1949.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1929
1928
release date
1949
recording artist
Rodgers, Jimmie
manufacturer
RCA Victor
ID Number
1996.0320.05257
maker number
21-0044
P 244
accession number
1996.0320
catalog number
1996.0320.05257
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1683 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1683 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.107
catalog number
73.01.11.107
maker number
1683
accession number
301414
Benny Goodman Trio. side 1: Body and Soul; side 2: After You've Gone (Victor 25115).78 rpm.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Benny Goodman Trio. side 1: Body and Soul; side 2: After You've Gone (Victor 25115).
78 rpm.
Location
Currently not on view
recording date
1935
recording artist
Benny Goodman Trio
manufacturer
Victor
ID Number
1988.0698.1082
catalog number
1988.0698.1082
accession number
1988.0698
collector/donor number
G53
maker number
25115
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1200 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1200 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.002
maker number
1200
accession number
301414
catalog number
73.01.11.002
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1051 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1051 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.128
catalog number
73.01.11.128
maker number
1051
accession number
301414
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1576 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139.
Description
This master disc was made by the Regina Music Box Company in Rahway, New Jersey. It is master disc #1576 used in the production of 20-3/4” diameter discs for Regina disc music box styles 26, 126, 39, and 139. These table-top disc players featured a 130 steel tongues double comb mechanism. The Regina Company was in business from 1894-1922.
Location
Currently not on view
manufacturer
Regina Music Box Company
ID Number
MI.73.01.11.053
catalog number
73.01.11.053
maker number
1576
accession number
301414

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