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  • Prototype for Meshell Ndegeocello Reverend Fellowship Bass guitar

    Designed by
    Ndegeocello, Meshell, German-American, born 1968
    Used by
    Ndegeocello, Meshell, German-American, born 1968
    Manufactured by
    Reverend Musical Instruments, American, founded 1996
    Ace Products Group, American, founded 1983
    Medium
    Guitar (.1): korina (wood), chrome, rosewood, walnut, graphite, metal, and plastic;
    Case (.2): polyvinyl chloride, polyester, and plastic
    Dimensions
    guitar (.1): 46 1/2 × 13 × 2 3/4 in. (118.1 × 33 × 7 cm)
    case (.2): 49 × 17 11/16 × 4 1/2 in. (124.5 × 44.9 × 11.4 cm)
    Type
    electric guitars
    musical instruments
    Place made
    South Korea, Asia
    Date
    2014
    Description
    This is the official prototype of the Meshell Ndegeocello Reverend Fellowship Bass guitar played by Meshell Ndegeocello in her 2014 tours of Japan and Europe.
    Guitar (.1): The guitar has a satin black body with a unique shape, a chrome bridge, output jack, volume/tone knob, and tuners; satin black pickups; a black plastic scratchguard; a dark brown rosewood neck with inlayed faux mother-of-pearl; reverse headstock; metal frets; and metal strings with a blue coating in the headstock area. Although there are two guitar strap buttons on the top left edge of the guitar and the bottom edge below the bridge of the guitar, this guitar does not have a strap. Handwritten notation in silver marker on the back of the headstock that reads, ZSG #17380.
    Case (.2): A black, PVC “leatherette” Kaces III Brand Gig Bag (model KLB20) used by Ndegeocello to store/transport the bass guitar. The case has a foam padded interior covered in black polyester, padded backpack straps, a quited grip handle with velco closure, and a large, diagonal accessory pocket with a hidden zipper.
    Topic
    African American
    Funk (Music)
    Jazz (Music)
    Neo-Soul (Music)
    Rock and roll (Music)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Meshell Ndegeocello
    Object number
    2015.8.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Signed guitar and case owned by James Brown

    Signed guitar and case owned by James Brown

    Manufactured by
    Epiphone Guitar Corp., American, founded 1873
    TKL Products Corp., American, founded 1984
    Owned by
    Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006
    Medium
    a: maple, spruce, rosewood, metal, plastic, paper, ink;
    b: plastic, metal, cloth
    Dimensions
    guitar: 41 1/2 × 16 3/4 × 4 7/8 in. (105.4 × 42.5 × 12.4 cm)
    guitar case: 46 × 19 1/4 × 6 3/8 in. (116.8 × 48.9 × 16.2 cm)
    Type
    cases (containers)
    musical instruments
    guitars
    Place made
    South Korea, Asia
    Date
    2002
    Description
    An Epiphone guitar and a TKL Products Corp. case owned by James Brown. The six-string acoustic guitar is Epiphone model EJ-200NA and has a maple body and a spruce top and neck. The guitar also features gold colored metal hardware and a set maple neck with a crown inlay on a rosewood fingerboard. The serial number of the guitar is Y207183. The guitar is inscribed and signed by several famous individuals in black permanent marker on the front, sides and back of the body. All of the messages are to James Brown and offer praise and thanks. Two of the individuals who signed the guitar are Casey Kasem and Ozzy Osbourne.
    The guitar case is black with a black cloth lined interior. The clasp and hinges are made of brass colored metal. The TKL Products Corp. logo is on the outside of the case next to the handle. A logo is also on the inside of the case next to the top hinge where the guitar’s neck would be placed.
    Topic
    African American
    Funk (Music)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2008.7.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Trumpet owned by Louis Armstrong

    Trumpet owned by Louis Armstrong

    Created by
    Henri Selmer Paris, French, founded 1885
    Vincent Bach Corporation, American, founded 1918
    Owned by
    Armstrong, Louis, American, 1901 - 1971
    Medium
    brass
    Dimensions
    H x W: 5 3/4 x 21 7/8 x 4 3/4 in. (14.6 x 55.6 x 12.1 cm)
    Type
    musical instruments
    trumpets
    Date
    September 1946
    Caption
    This 1946 Henri Selmer B-flat custom-made and inscribed trumpet belonged to Louis Armstrong. Armstrong had been playing an earlier version of a Selmer trumpet since 1932. Even though he believed you could play a trumpet for a long time, he had the habit of playing his trumpets for approximately five years before he passed it on as a gift to a friend or colleague. In February 1946, Armstrong’s manager and close friend, Joe Glaser, wrote to Selmer Instrument Company and asked for a new trumpet custom-made for Armstrong’s use. Selmer agreed and presented him with this inscribed Selmer B-flat trumpet. This personally inscribed trumpet was made only for Armstrong and was not mass produced.
    Description
    A brass trumpet with mouthpiece and case. The trumpet has a Henri Selmer Paris inscription near the bell and valve case, and "Louis Armstrong" is engraved on the leadpipe.
    Topic
    African American
    Jazz (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2008.16.1-.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Hammond B-3 organ owned by James Brown

    Hammond B-3 organ owned by James Brown

    Manufactured by
    Hammond Suzuki USA, Inc., American, founded 1934
    Trek II Products, Inc., American
    Owned by
    Brown, James, American, 1933 - 2006
    Medium
    vinyl, wood, metal
    Dimensions
    H x W: 40 x 50 x 30 in. (101.6 x 127 x 76.2 cm)
    Type
    electronic organs
    musical instruments
    Place made
    Illinois, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1968
    Description
    A Hammond B-3 electric organ. The organ is covered in black vinyl and trimmed with silver roping. Stitched on the back of the organ in red vinyl and brass colored metal rivets is "God ~ father." The organ has two keyboards with both preset and manual keys, a folding top and a single foot pedal. Electrical outlets are on the back of the organ at its base.
    Topic
    African American
    Funk (Music)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2008.7.1.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  •

    "Pudgy" trumpet owned by Dizzy Gillespie

    Designed by
    Bobby DeNicola, American, 1929 - 2006
    Owned by
    Gillespie, Dizzy, American, 1917 - 1993
    Medium
    silver and mother of pearl
    Dimensions
    L x W (trumpet): 15 x 5 x 9 3/4 in. (38.1 x 12.7 x 24.8 cm)
    L x W (bag): 20 x 4 1/2 x 13 in. (50.8 x 11.4 x 33 cm)
    H x W (papers): 11 x 8 1/2 in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm)
    Type
    musical instruments
    trumpets
    Date
    after 1968
    Description
    A silver trumpet with three mother-of-pearl inlaid valves and bent bell. "PUDGY by DeNicola" is inscribed on the bell.
    Topic
    African American
    Jazz (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Paxton and Rachel Baker
    Object number
    2012.172.6a-f
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Organ owned by Henry Long and family

    Created by
    E.P. Carpenter & Company, American, 1852 - 1900
    Owned by
    Long, Henry L., American, ca. 1882 - 1935
    Medium
    wood, metal, ivory and mirrored glass
    Dimensions
    70 x 46 3/4 x 23 3/4 in. (177.8 x 118.7 x 60.3 cm)
    Overall with Weight (Organ with mirror): 215 lb. (97.5 kg)
    Overall with Weight (Organ without mirror): 210 lb. (95.3 kg)
    Overall with Weight (Mirror): 5 lb. (2.3 kg)
    Type
    organs (aerophones)
    musical instruments
    Place made
    Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont, United States, North and Central America
    Place used
    Seneca, Oconee County, South Carolina, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    ca. 1898
    Caption
    This organ was purchased by Mr. Henry L. Long, a Pullman Porter in Seneca, Carolina, in 1911. It was used by his family for gatherings and celebrations.
    Description
    A parlor style reed or pump organ (2012.7.1a) and mirror (2012.7.1b) made by E.P. Carpenter & Company and owned by Henry L. Long. The organ is made of wood with a natural, medium tone finish showing the wood grain. It has two ornately wrought metal foot pumps at the center bottom of the instrument. The keyboard has 36 white keys and 25 black keys. Above the keyboard is a black panel set into the organ which reads [Carpenter / Company.] on the PR side and [Brattleboro / Vt. U.S.A.] on the PL. In the center are two sets of five stops, each with a different name to indicate which pipes they control. The hutch section of the organ is decorated with wood applique. In the upper middle of the hutch is a horizontal rectangular space for the mirror (2012.7.1b) which is currently detached.
    Topic
    African American
    Amusements
    Domestic life
    Families
    Music
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift from the Family of Henry L. Long
    Object number
    2012.7.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Defending Freedom, Defining Freedom: The Era of Segregation, 1876-1968
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Concourse 2, C 2053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Trombone played by Fred Wesley

    Trombone played by Fred Wesley

    Manufactured by
    Vincent Bach Corporation, American, founded 1918
    Conn-Selmer, American, founded 1927
    Used by
    Wesley, Fred, American, born 1943
    Medium
    metal, synthetic fiber
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 9 7/8 x 46 1/8 x 10 1/2 in. (25.1 x 117.2 x 26.7 cm)
    Type
    trombones
    musical instruments
    Date
    after 1960
    Description
    A trombone and case, including the mouthpiece, innerslide, and outerslide. The trombone is a Stradivarius Model 36 made by the Vincent Bach Corporation. On the horn, at the top, is an engraving with the model number and manufacturer: [Stradivarius / Model / 36 / Vincent Bach / ELKHART, IN. / USA]. There is a serial number at the bottom on the cylinder where all the tubes converge: [28892].
    Topic
    African American
    Funk (Music)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Soul (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Fred Wesley
    Object number
    2013.107.2.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Upright acoustic double bass owned by Stanley Clarke

    Upright acoustic double bass owned by Stanley Clarke

    Owned by
    Clarke, Stanley, American, born 1951
    Manufactured by
    Unidentified
    Medium
    wood, metal and steel
    Dimensions
    75 x 25 5/8 x 15 in. (190.5 x 65.1 x 38.1 cm)
    Type
    double basses
    musical instruments
    Date
    late 20th century
    Description
    Upright bass with four (4) strings. Scroll at top with black pegs, tuners, and tuning keys. Saddle at bottom made of black wood. Steel strings at bottom are strung with green fibers. Bass stands upright on an endpin.
    Topic
    African American
    Composers (Musicians)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Stanley Clarke
    Object number
    2013.160.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • <I>Stanley Clarke Signature Standard 4 String Bass</I>

    Stanley Clarke Signature Standard 4 String Bass

    Electric bass guitar owned by Stanley Clarke
    Owned by
    Clarke, Stanley, American, born 1951
    Manufactured by
    Alembic Inc., American, founded 1969
    Gotoh Gut Co., Japanese, founded 1960
    Medium
    wood, copper alloy, plastic, wire, mother of pearl and gold
    Dimensions
    44 1/8 x 13 1/2 x 2 3/8 in. (112.1 x 34.3 x 6 cm)
    Type
    electric guitars
    musical instruments
    Place made
    3005 Wiljan Court, Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    after 1990
    Description
    Alembic Stanley Clarke Standard model electric bass guitar with a body made of polished wood. Front of body has inlaid wood down the middle. Inlaid wood has two (2) wide strips of light wood with two (2) thinner strips of dark wood in the middle. Down the center is a thin strip of light wood between the two (2) darker lines of wood. Center inlay extends the length of the back of the neck. On either side of center inlay on the front body is dark wood with rings and dark growth lines displayed. Additional inlay around the outside edges of the body. Headstock has matching dark wood at front and back. On the lower portion of the front body on the PL side, are four (4) knobs and three (3) switches with an input jack. Bass includes two (2) pickups above the adjustable saddles and bridge. Fret board has inlaid mother of pearl of various sizes at various sections down the center. Headstock has four (4) pegs with strings strung to bass. At the top of the headstock is a metal logo of the manufacturer. Logo includes a cloud at the top with hand reaching down out of the cloud holding the body of a dragon that is shaped in a ring. Within the ring is a stylized alembic.
    Topic
    African American
    Composers (Musicians)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Stanley Clarke
    Object number
    2013.160.2.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Vibraphone used by Roy Ayers

    Manufactured by
    Alternate Mode KAT, American, founded 1985
    Used by
    Ayers, Roy, American, born 1940
    Medium
    metal, plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 2 7/8 x 46 3/4 x 11 1/8 in. (7.3 x 118.7 x 28.3 cm)
    Type
    vibraphones
    musical instruments
    Date
    after 1985
    Description
    A malletKat Pro vibraphone used by Roy Ayers. The vibraphone has a silver base with thirty-seven large black bars and two smaller black bars.
    Topic
    African American
    Jazz (Music)
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Roy Ayers
    Object number
    2013.30.9
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Minimoog Voyager synthesizer used by J Dilla

    Minimoog Voyager synthesizer used by J Dilla

    Manufactured by
    Moog Music Inc., American, founded 1953
    Used by
    J Dilla, American, 1974 - 2006
    Medium
    wood, plastic, metal, glass, canvas
    Dimensions
    Back panel flat: 4 1/2 × 30 3/4 × 17 7/8 in. (11.4 × 78.1 × 45.4 cm)
    Back panel raised: 12 3/8 × 30 3/4 × 17 7/8 in. (31.4 × 78.1 × 45.4 cm)
    Type
    synthesizers
    musical instruments
    Place used
    Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2002-2005
    Description
    A Minimoog Voyager, a monophonic analog synthesizer, owned by record producer and artist J Dilla. The synthesizer features a small keyboard set into a wooden frame beneath a control panel. The control board consists of black knobs, red and blue switches, and two different sized screens. The control board has hinge and stand that allows it to be propped up to better face the user. A brass plaque appears above piano keys on right side, and reads, [minimoog®/voyager™]. On the back of the control panel is a label in the bottom left corner that reads, [MOOG MUSIC, Inc./ASHEVILLE, NC/minimoog® Voyager/SERIAL NO. 263].
    Topic
    African American
    Hip hop (Music)
    Musicians
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Maureen Yancy
    Object number
    2014.139.2a
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Wood violin and bow from the Sugg McDonald house

    Owned by
    McDonald, Vernon Sugg, American, 1906 - 1982
    Medium
    wood with metal and fiber
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (2014.316.2.1.1): 3 1/2 × 7 1/2 × 21 3/4 in. (8.9 × 19.1 × 55.2 cm)
    H x W x D (2014.316.2.1.2): 1 1/4 × 1/2 × 28 3/4 in. (3.2 × 1.3 × 73 cm)
    Type
    bows (chordophone components)
    violins
    musical instruments
    Place collected
    Sugg McDonald House, Sonora, Tuolumne County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    ca. 1700-1900
    Description
    2014.316.2.1.1: A wood violin with the D and G strings attached to it. The violin’s pegs, neck, and tailpiece are dark wood. The body of the violin is stained lighter. Above the pegs, the violin has a traditional scroll at its top. The violin's tailpiece is decorated with a floral pearl inlay. The D string is possibly made of gut. The G string is made of either aluminum or steel and is wrapped with a fiber. There is a label, in black print, inside the proper left sound hole that reads: [Andreas Guarnerius fecit Cremonae sub titulo Sanctae Teresiae 16]. Next to the print [16] there are two additional numbers written in ink that are difficult to read. The violin’s bridge and part of its G peg have become detached and are housed in a plastic bag.
    2014.316.2.1.2: A wood violin bow with a pearl inlay. The bow is a long, slightly curved, cylindrical rod. One end of the bow has a curved wooden tip, with a metal edge that attaches the horse hair. The opposite end of the bow has a black wood piece attached to it with decorative floral pearl inlays on both sides. A metal screw cap is at the end of the bow and there are four lines etched into the bow. There is no horse hair attached to the bow.
    Topic
    African American
    Music
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Bob and Sherri Brennan in memory of Vernon Sugg McDonald
    Object number
    2014.316.2.1.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture

  • Wood violin case from the Sugg McDonald house

    Manufactured by
    George S. Bond
    Owned by
    McDonald, Vernon Sugg, American, 1906 - 1982
    Medium
    wood with metal , felt and paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 4 3/4 × 31 7/8 × 9 1/4 in. (12.1 × 81 × 23.5 cm)
    Type
    cases (containers)
    musical instruments
    Place collected
    Sugg McDonald House, Sonora, Tuolumne County, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    ca. 1850-1900
    Description
    A black wood violin case with metal handle and locking mechanism. In addition to locking mechanism, the case has two metal swinging latches. The interior of violin case has red felt lining where the violin’s body is placed. The rest of the interior is wood lined with tan paper. The interior has two containers that are attached to walls of case. A white paper label is adhered to inside of case. The label features logo for case maker George S. Bond and black print that reads: [Original / G.S.B / Improved / Trade Mark. / None genuine / unless the / impress of this / trade mark / is on / the bottom of / the Case. The left side of the label has worn away. The bottom of the case has the George S. Bond trademark stamped into it.
    Topic
    African American
    Music
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Bob and Sherri Brennan in memory of Vernon Sugg McDonald
    Object number
    2014.316.2.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Bass guitar used by Robert

    Bass guitar used by Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool & the Gang

    Manufactured by
    Oasis Guitars, American
    Used by
    Kool & the Gang, American, founded 1964
    Robert "Kool" Bell, American, born 1950
    Medium
    wood, brass (alloy), metal and plastic
    Dimensions
    H x W x D: 46 1/2 × 13 7/8 × 3 in. (118.1 × 35.2 × 7.6 cm)
    Type
    musical instruments
    guitars
    Place made
    Juliesse Avenue, Sacramento, California, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    1976-1978
    Description
    2015.212a: An electric bass guitar used by Robert “Kool” Bell of Kool and the Gang. The bass guitar is made of light colored wood and has brass tuning pegs. It has two pickups in black. The strings are attached to an oval shaped metal tailpiece with four smaller tuners. The bass also has four volume and tone controls on the left side of the lower front body. Two switches for pick-ups are also on the lower left side of the front body. On the headstock is gold inlay with the bass name running vertically down the center that reads “O / A / S / I / S.” The top of the headstock has an inlaid gold design. Imprinted into the wood on the back of the headstock at the top is “37 57 / USA.” On the back of the body on the lower left side is an oval-shaped black electronics cavity plate. Also on the back at the top near of the neck is a strap button.
    2015.212b: Guitar is housed in a guitar case.
    Topic
    African American
    Disco (Music)
    Funk (Music)
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Robert "Kool" Bell of Kool & The Gang
    Object number
    2015.212ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Voodoo Guitar

    Voodoo Guitar "Marie" made by Don Moser with debris from Hurricane Katrina

    Created by
    Moser, Don, American
    Medium
    Wood, copper, brass, tin, and plastic with fabric and rhinestone
    Dimensions
    H x W x D (guitar): 41 3/4 × 13 3/4 × 2 3/8 in. (106 × 34.9 × 6 cm)
    H x W x D (Wood box): 5 x 47 7/8 x 17 in. (12.7 x 121.6 x 43.2 cm)
    Type
    musical instruments
    guitars
    Place made
    New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, North and Central America
    Date
    2005
    Description
    The Voodoo Guitar (.1) used by Don Moser of Swampkat. The 6-string electric guitar is wooden with metal-plated head and body. A plaque on the head features text that reads [KATRINA - AUG - 29- 2005]. Metal letters are adhered along one side and the bottom of the head, following the curve [NEW ORLEANS / VOODOO]. Multiple "windows" were built into the guitar head. Contents include objects such as a voodoo doll and rhinestone fleur de lis brooch. At the center of the head, a figurine is attached atop the strings. It is shaped like a cross. Its top half is black, while the bottom is white and covered with multi-colored beads. Brown hair-like fibers extend out of the top and two arms. A handwritten letter (.2) on white paper with rough, burned edges is attached under the strings. It visually blocks part of the head and reads [DEAR KEVIN, / THANKS FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU AND / YOUR TEAM HAS PUT INTO THE VOODOO GUITAR / PROJECT. / I'VE ENJOYED EVERY MIN. OF THE JOURNEY. / THIS IS THE VOODOO GUITAR. PLEASE TAKE / EXTRA CARE OF HER, I GROWN QUITE FOND OF HER! / THE GUITAR IS SET UP AND PLAYS GREAT, SHE SOUNDS / LIKE THE DEVIL MOVING FURNITURE! / BLESSINGS / DON]. The back of the neck is light-colored wood, and the back of the head is dark wood. A gold-colored metal plaque situated at the base of the neck features engraved text that reads [KATRINA / YOU THOUGHT / YOU COULD KEEP / THE OL BIG EASY / DOWN BUT WE / STILL HEAR OUR / BRASS BANDS / BLOWIN OH WHAT/ A BEAUTIFUL / SOUND]. A clear plastic cylinder is attached to the underside of the head. It has a metal top & bottom and contains a fuzzy object.
    Topic
    African American
    Art
    Communities
    Folklife
    Music
    Musicians
    Ornamentation
    United States--History--2001-
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Musician/Artist Don Louis Moser
    Object number
    2015.119.1-.2
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    See more items in
    National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
    Classification
    Musical Instruments
    Exhibition
    Musical Crossroads
    On View
    NMAAHC (1400 Constitution Ave NW), National Mall Location, Culture/Fourth Floor, 4 053
    Data Source
    National Museum of African American History and Culture