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.

MIRCat offers a select group of non-profit digital research initiatives by funding their technology expenses. This covers the cost of internet service providers and web development expertise for creating practical and intuitive online databases and other resources. Current client initiatives at various levels of development include the following:

Clementi grand piano, Duke U. Coll. of Musical Instruments

Early Pianos Online

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

Taskin Harpsichord, Musical Instrument Museum, Edinburgh

Boalch-Mould Online 

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

Trophy from 1761 Kirkman harpsichord, Sigal Music Museum

MIRCAT Digital Archive 

An online digital archive of information about musical instrument making, restoration, conservation, and care to foster future research. 

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

Langwill-Waterhouse Online

An interactive online edition of the standard index of historical wind instrument makers. This project is in development with public access planed for late 2023.