The keyboard collection at the museum includes an unsigned Italian virginal from around the 1600, a spinet from ca 1700, a large selection of clavichords from the 1700s, a harpsichord by Jacob Kirkman from 1767, hammer pianos signed J.A. Stein 1783 and Conrad Graf 1826 and a harp piano by Chr. Dietz from around 1870.
From the collection of classic wind instruments, an alto recorder by J.B. Gahn from about 1700 and a clarinet quartet by Bilton, London from about 1840, are of particular note. Other highlights are string instruments like a violin by H&A Amati (1612), viola d’amore by Eberle, (Prag, 1755), viola da gamba from the workshop of Tielke, Hamburg (around 1700). Further, electronic instruments like a Subharchord II synthesizer from 1968 and a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar from 1952 are treasured items at Ringve Music Museum>
A large section of the collection consist of Traditional Norwegian instruments. Here you'll find Hardanger fiddles from the 17- and 1800s, Norwegian zithers (“langeleik”) from various parts of the country, and a varied selection of instruments used at the old mountain farms during hunts, sheperding, special ceremonies etc.
All continents are represented in the collection, with traditional instruments from Africa, Latin-America, Oceania and Asia.