The Musical Instrument Museum, which is rated Phoenix’s top attraction, is featuring an exhibit of inlaid guitars, which will be on display for the next five months. Called Dragons and Vines: Inlaid Guitar Masterpieces, the exhibit is presented in partnership with Pearl Works, a leader in the inlay industry founded by visionary luthier and inlay artist Larry Sifel (1948-2006).
The core of the displayed instruments comes from Sifel’s personal collection of prototype, limited edition, and one-of-a-kind guitars, many of which are being shared with the public for the first time. An expert in the field of inlaid guitars has said, “These instruments have a value that is really impossible to even conceive and offer a fascinating glimpse at the current cutting-edge of an age-old art form.”
MIM’s world-class multimedia technology introduces Museum guests to the specialized techniques and materials used in the inlay process, to the sounds of these playable works of art, and to the community of artisans who explain the challenges, rewards and allure of their art.
Each of the stringed instruments on display vividly illustrates the transformation of bold imagination into reality, from snarling dragons to delicate floral patterns as well as re-creations of historic artwork and hot-rod automobiles.
The 24 guitars, banjos, and one ukulele feature inlaid artwork created from mate
