X-ray and neutron imaging as complementary non-destructive methods for investigations of historical brasswind instruments.

A musical instrument is a witness of the many human visual and aural sensibilities, beliefs and dreams. It is not just a technical object, but one with its own aesthetic properties, an object that makes a variety of characteristic sounds without necessarily the existence of a connection between its visual and sound aesthetic. Preserving an instrument means therefore preserving our culture, our history, our dreams.
The conference, open to all museum professionals, was intended to present and critically discuss the latestresearch about diagnostic techniques applied to musical instruments as well as advanced conservation practices, use of materials, collections management, through the presentation of case studies. Its main objective was to be a forum for the exchange of information, seeking to promote the transfer of knowledge regarding the daily activities of preservation and to facilitate the exchange of scientific information and opportunities for collaboration among researchers from different backgrounds. The proceedings contain a selection of the papers presented in 2010 and 2011.