The geneaology of the instruments that make our national sound is as diverse and colorful as that of anything else that can be described as "American". Portugal, Spain, England, Ireland, Africa, South America - all these places and their musical traditions coalesce into the sounds of bluegrass, rock and roll, the blues, and more. "Freebird" actually flew in from afar, our "American Girl" has roots in the old world, and they're that much more American for it.

Below are highlights from a selection of 20th century American string instruments in our November 22nd Online-Only Auction.