MIRCat

Musical Instrument Research Catalog

The Musical Instrument Research Catalog (MIRCat) is a not-for-profit organization that exists to seek and administer funds in support of selected free online digital archives and databases serving researchers, collectors, makers, and caretakers of historical musical instruments and to foster the continual growth and improvement of those digital resources.

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Wind Instrument Makers

Expanding on the seminal work of Lyndesay Langwill and William Waterhouse, an interactive online edition of the standard index of historical wind instrument makers. 

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Early Pianos Online

An interactive database of 
historic pianos (up to 1860) and their makers. Includes instrument details, photographs, and maker biographies. 

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Boalch-Mould Online 

An interactive database of historic harpsichords and clavichords and their makers. Includes maker biographies, details of surviving instruments, and photographs. 

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MIRCat Library

An online digital archive of information about musical instrument making, restoration, conservation, and care. 
  • MIRCat Exchange
  • Archival Editions
  • Journal Archives
  • Special Collections
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Historic Trombone Database

Based on information gathered from museums and private collections across the globe, this database catalogs trombones made before 1800.

Praetorius, Syntagma Musicum, 1614-1620

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