The exhibit features famous rock-n-roll classics like an early fender Stratocaster, but also many surprises. There's a 1931 Frying Pan aluminum guitar, considered to be the first electric steel guitar ever produced. The inspiration? Guitarists in popular Hawaiian music bands of the era who needed more volume to be heard on stage.

Dennis Bateman, who's in charge of exhibits at Carnegie, said the center decided to try the show in an attempt to reach a different audience.

"It was sort of fusion between art and history and science," Bateman said, adding that more people than usual are attending on their own, without children.

Ford Bell, president of the American Association of Museums, agreed that guitars are of great interest. But he added that every successful museum needs a strong base of support from corporate and individual donors, and that state, federal and private donations have dropped in recent years.

Read more: Guitar museum travels the US, searching for a home - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_21027349?source=pop#ixzz1zyzR93WD
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