GUITAR

Nyatiti (circa 3,000 BC – Present)

Long used by the Luo people of Kenya, the nyatiti is believed to have originated in the Nile Valley more than 5,000 years ago. The nyatiti design has remained virtually unchanged over centuries.

Charango (1700s – Present)

The charango originated in South America in the 1700s and utilizes an armadillo shell as a soundbox. .

Gibson Harp Guitar (1903 – 1920s)

The harp guitar combines the best features of a harp with those of the guitar. This U-style harp guitar was one of the biggest guitars ever crafted.

Martin Dreadnought D-28 (1931 – Present)

Considered the “Stradivarius” of acoustic guitars for its pioneering shape and sound, the Martin Dreadnought D-28 earned widespread acclaim in the 1930s-40s. A favorite of Elvis Presley, Martin created the guitar on view for Presley’s estate after his death.

Gibson ES-355 B.B. King “Lucille” (1958 – Present)

After saving his guitar from a burning dance hall, B.B. King named his Gibson acoustic guitar “Lucille,” the name of the woman being fought over when the fire started. The “Lucille” on view was signed by King upon receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

World's Largest Playable Guitar (early 2000s)

This 1967 Gibson Flying V reissue replica was created by students at the Academy of Science and Technology in The Woodlands, Texas. The guitar measures 43 feet 7.5 inches long by 16 feet 5.5 inches wide and was certified by Guinness World Records in 2001.

Building the Flying V

A video highlighting the creation of the world’s largest playable guitar, created by students in The Woodlands, Texas.

Demonstration of Classical Style

Musician Liona Boyd demonstrates classical guitar style in a video performance of “Gran Jota de Concierto” at The Masonic Temple, Toronto.

Luthier’s Workshop

The complete workbench and tools of one of America’s greatest living luthiers, Robert Benedetto.

X-Ray Photographs

A collection of 10 x-ray photographs of acoustic and electric guitars by NGM, John Thomas, and Neil Zlozower that reveal their inner structure and components.

• Virtual Family Program: Guitars Rock!
  May 13, 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
  Get ready to rock with the Bullock Museum as we play, explore, and jam with the science and sounds behind the world's most iconic instrument.
• B Movies and Bad History: Texas Music
  Thursday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
  Explore some of the best (and worst) examples of Texas music on screen through clips and conversation.
• Reel Women in Film: Bad Reputation
  July 19 - July 23 virtual streaming | Thursday, July 22 virtual Q&A
  Discover the life and career of rock ‘n’ roll icon Joan Jett through a virtual documentary screening and Q&A. 

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked The World is a Touring Exhibition of the National GUITAR Museum.

Sponsored by The Albert and Ethel Herzstein Hall Fund.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum is a division of the State Preservation Board. Additional support of exhibitions and programs is provided by the Texas State History Museum Foundation.