Square Piano

John Broadwood & Sons

1797 · Mahogany veneer, boxwood, iron, brass, ivory, ebony, and various materials · Musical Instruments

Based on the design of Johannes Zumpe for a simple square piano design, this elegant instrument incorporates several innovations. An expanded compass of 5-1/2 octaves is possible by a design that has keys extend under the soundboard. Tuning pins have moved from the right side, where they were crowded and far from the lowest key to a convenient arrangement along the back. This piano has no damper control; the pedal opens the lid flap over the soundboard when the main lid panel is closed. Broadwood replaced hand stops with pedals by around 1785. By the 1790s his firm was making about 400 squares and 100 grands annually. Technical description: Rectangular case and lid with mahogany (?) panels bordered with sycamore or satinwood separated by fine boxwood and ebony striping and a broader line of purple wood; on 4 square, tapered legs supporting a shelf with concave front; FF-c4 (68 note) keyboard with ivory naturals with molded fronts and ebony accidentals; 1 flat wood pedal raises right front flap of lid for swell; unpierced oblong tuning pins along spine; English single action with brass underdampers (no damper control); double-strung throughout, lowest 12 notes wound with copper over brass; original leather hammer coverings.

Artist

John Broadwood & Sons

Date

1797

Medium

Mahogany veneer, boxwood, iron, brass, ivory, ebony, and various materials

Culture

British

Department

Musical Instruments

Credit line

Gift of Henry and Virginia Pleasants, 1982