Square Piano

Square Piano

Square Piano

Maker:John Broadwood & Sons
Date:1797
Geography:London, England
Culture:British
Medium:Mahogany veneer, boxwood, iron, brass, ivory, ebony, and various materials
Dimensions:Case length (perpendicular to keyboard): 57.3 cm (22 5/8 in.)
Width (parallel to keyboard): 162.9 cm (64 1/8 in.)
Depth (without lid): 22.0 cm (8 3/4 in.)
Total height: 86.3 cm (34 in.)
3-octave span: 48.9
String length FF: 137.1
String length c4: 7.3
String length c2: 28.6
Classification:Chordophone-Zither-struck-piano
Credit Line:Gift of Henry and Virginia Pleasants, 1982

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 by pedals around 1785. By the 1790s his firm was making about 400 squares and 100 grands annually.

Provenance

Henry and Virginia Pleasants

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