This purple grand piano, featuring the word “beautiful” written in gold on three sides, was custom-made for Prince and used throughout his Jam of the Year Tour in 1997 and 1998. Prince often danced atop this piano during his live performances, as seen in the “Somebody’s Somebody” music video.

Loan courtesy of The Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson and Paisley Park

Photograph by Mark Cornelison

This two-color sunburst electric guitar was Clapton’s first Stratocaster, and it became a key part of the guitarist’s signature tone. Purchased by Clapton in a London music shop in 1967, the guitar can be heard on Clapton’s early solo classics, such as “Layla” and “Bell Bottom Blues.” Right: Clapton performs with “Brownie”.

Courtesy of MoPOP, Seattle, WA

Photograph by Mark “WEISSGUY” Weiss

Created to compete with popular guitars like the Fender Stratocaster, the modernistic Flying V was initially so controversial that only 81 examples were shipped in 1958, making originals incredibly rare. This particular Flying V has been played by many world-class guitarists, including Joe Bonamassa, Eric Johnson, and Jack Pearson.

Anonymous loan

This one-of-a-kind golden “King George” model vibraphone was custom-made for Lionel Hampton and remains the only example built to the Deagan company’s most deluxe trim level. Known as the “King of the Vibes,” Hampton played on recordings by Louis Armstrong and others, and he effectively introduced the vibraphone to jazz. Right: Hampton performs live onstage with his signature vibraphone.

Jacob Hochbrucker’s ingenious pedal harp design represents a revolutionary step in harp history. Single-action pedal harps would become one of the most popular instruments in the mid-eighteenth century, especially among the French aristocracy, including Marie Antoinette. Today, only four known original Hochbrucker pedal harps remain.

A watchmaker and mechanic by trade, Laurent was a musician at heart, which led him to develop innovative glass flutes in 1806. Unaffected by temperature and humidity, these groundbreaking “crystal flutes” were stable, even-toned, and well-tuned instruments.

Likely crafted by Portuguese immigrant Jose do Espirito Santo, this instrument is thought to be the first Hawaiian ukulele. Despite its delicate construction and small size, this ukulele remains in playable condition and produces remarkable volume. Right: ukulele collector Shawn Yacavone holding the treasured instrument.

Loan courtesy of Shawn Yacavone at Ukulele Friend