Musical Instruments (Home)

The Microsoft Exploration Series broadens its horizons with a comprehensive and detailed look into the world of musical instruments, past and present. Microsoft Musical Instruments features historical origins of more than 200 instruments, complete with geographical maps depicting the area of first use, 500+ photographs, 1,500 sound samples, and pronunciations. Professional musicians bring the instruments to life in ensemble and individual performances.

A Sound Box offers the chance to explore each instrument, including its scales and unique sounds. Illustrations explain the various parts of each instrument, such as the bridge, jack socket, scratchplate, strings, neck, fret, machine heads, body and pickups for a guitar. The material is divided into four easy-to-navigate sections entitled Families of Instruments, Instruments of the World, Musical Ensembles, and a full index of A-Z Instruments.

Whether looking for the definition of "slap bass," the correct way to say "didjeridu," or simply searching for the origins of the glockenspiel, Microsoft Musical Instruments is a fine addition to any fledgling musician or expert's software library. Both educational and entertaining, the game was awarded a Parent's Choice Award in 1993. Other titles in the series include Microsoft Dinosaurs, Microsoft Dangerous Creatures and Microsoft Ancient Lands.

The software offers more than 500 photos and 1500 sound samples of 200-plus musical instruments from around the world, along with their origins, individual sounds, and integrated sounds within ensembles.

Música