Music & Musical Instruments

The Museum's music collections contain more than 5,000 instruments of American and European heritage. These include a quartet of 18th-century Stradivari stringed instruments, Tito Puente's autographed timbales, and the Yellow Cloud guitar that belonged to Prince, to name only a few. Music collections also include jukeboxes and synthesizers, square-dancing outfits and sheet music, archival materials, oral histories, and recordings of performances at the museum. The vast Sam DeVincent Collection of Illustrated Sheet Music is a remarkable window into the American past in words, music, and visual imagery. The Duke Ellington and Ruth Ellington Boatwright collections contain handwritten music compositions, sound recordings, business records, and other materials documenting the career of this renowned musician. In various ways, our collections find expression in performances of the Smithsonian Chamber Players, the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, and in other public programs.

This guitar was made by John Preston of London, England around 1760-1770.
Description
This guitar was made by John Preston of London, England around 1760-1770. It is a six course (4x2, 2x1) guitar with a spruce top, figured maple back and sides, and tortoiseshell veneered oak fingerboard and four holes for the capotasto or “moving-bridge.” The guitar has a watch-key tuning device which was better suited to the guitar’s short metal strings. English guitars received great popularity with amateur musicians in Great Britain from about 1750 to 1810.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1760 - 1770
maker
Preston, John
ID Number
MI.095325
accession number
26512
catalog number
95325
This flageolet was made by Watts in London, England, 19th century. It is made of boxwood with a brass key, and an ivory beak and studs. This instrument is stamped:WATTSLONDONCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)

This flageolet was made by Watts in London, England, 19th century. It is made of boxwood with a brass key, and an ivory beak and studs. This instrument is stamped:

WATTS
LONDON

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
19th century
maker
Watts
ID Number
MI.095044
accession number
25819
catalog number
95044
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
W. Paxton & Co. Ltd.
ID Number
2018.3010.276
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.276
This square piano was made by Joshua Done in London, England in 1780. Done was listed in Chancery Lane from 1792 to 1814 and according to the inscription on the nameboard: “Joshua Done, London, 1780” it would seem that this piano was made before Done moved to Chancery Lane.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Joshua Done in London, England in 1780. Done was listed in Chancery Lane from 1792 to 1814 and according to the inscription on the nameboard: “Joshua Done, London, 1780” it would seem that this piano was made before Done moved to Chancery Lane. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, an English single action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, tuning pins on the right, pinblock under the soundboard, 2 hand stops (1 missing): upper and lower dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1780
maker
Done, Joshua
ID Number
MI.315757
catalog number
315757
accession number
65928
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1952
depicted (sitter)
Andrews Sisters
ID Number
2017.3021.286
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.286
This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare.
Description

This snare drum was made by Rose, Morris & Co. in London, England, around 1968-1970. It is a Clansman model with a black lacquer wood shell, chrome-plated metal flange hoops, a white vinyl top head and a clear vinyl bottom head, and a metal snare. There are 6 chrome-plated metal ribs attached to the shell covering the metal tensioning rods. The maker’s medallion around the vent hole is inscribed:

CLANSMAN
ROSE, MORRIS & CO.
MADE IN ENGLAND

This drum was used by a member of the United States Air Force Pipe Band. In 1950, the band was formed as part of the United States Air Force Drum and Bugle Corps. A separate Air Force Pipe Band was formed in 1960, and by 1970, the pipe band was disbanded.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1968 - 1970
ID Number
MI.075303
accession number
295417
catalog number
75303
This flageolet was made by Henry Hastrick in London, England, around 1835-1855. It is a double flageolet in B-flat, made of boxwood with an ivory beak, head, studs, and ferrules, and nickel silver keys.
Description (Brief)

This flageolet was made by Henry Hastrick in London, England, around 1835-1855. It is a double flageolet in B-flat, made of boxwood with an ivory beak, head, studs, and ferrules, and nickel silver keys. This instrument is stamped:

HASTRICK
LATE
BAINBRIDGE
INVENTOR
35
HOLBORN
HILL
LONDON
NEW
PATENT

Henry (Thomas) Hastrick (b?-1854) was a flageolet maker in London. In 1814, Hastrick began an apprenticeship with flageolet maker William Bainbridge. Upon Bainbridge’s death in 1835, Hastrick acquired the business from Bainbridge’s widow, Harriet. The business continued until Hastrick’s death in 1854.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1835 - 1855
maker
Hastrick
ID Number
MI.094632
accession number
21866
catalog number
94632
This square piano was made by Astor & Horwood in London, England around 1815-1822. George Peter Astor had a successful, piano, flute, and music publishing business at 79 Cornhill in London.
Description
This square piano was made by Astor & Horwood in London, England around 1815-1822. George Peter Astor had a successful, piano, flute, and music publishing business at 79 Cornhill in London. After his death in 1813, Astor’s wife continued the firm until 1815, when Horwood took it over, and the business became Astor & Horwood until 1824. The piano is serial number 5881 and has a compass of FF-f4, English double action, brass and iron strings, double-strung, no stops or pedals, and a wood frame in a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1815 - 1822
maker
Astor & Horwood
ID Number
MI.094645
catalog number
94645
accession number
12481
serial number
5881
This kit was made by Henry Jay in London, England, about 1750.
Description (Brief)

This kit was made by Henry Jay in London, England, about 1750. It is made of a one-piece table of spruce, body carved from one piece of maple cut on 45o slab, painted ink representation of purfling on table and back, neck “V” grafted to an 18th-century English neck, pegbox and closed scroll with one volute; two bone pegs for the “e” and “a” strings are probably original, and orange-brown varnish. This instrument has a handwritten label fragment:

Hen J
Lon[i]n 52[ ]

In 18th-century England, “kit” was used to describe an instrument with a small violin body and a long neck, used in the same manner as a pochette, or dancemaster’s fiddle. This instrument was probably made by Henry Jay who worked in London, from 1740 to 1776, and specialized in the kit. This maker is not to be confused with Henry Jay of Southwarke (1615-1667), the famous English viol maker.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1750
maker
Jay, Henry
ID Number
MI.094867
accession number
23899
catalog number
094867
This square piano was made in London, England around 1786. Longman & Broderip was a series of companies began about 1767 by James Longman who never manufactured pianos but sold them and later commissioned other makers to produce pianos. He was joined by Francis Broderip in 1775.
Description
This square piano was made in London, England around 1786. Longman & Broderip was a series of companies began about 1767 by James Longman who never manufactured pianos but sold them and later commissioned other makers to produce pianos. He was joined by Francis Broderip in 1775. In 1798, financial reverses ended in bankruptcy. The nameboard misspells Broderip’s name and is inscribed “LONGMAN and BROADRIP.” The piano has a compass of FF-f3, English sinle (Zumpe type) action, leather hammers, strings are double-strung throughout, turning pins to the right, 3 hand stops: moderator, bass and treble dampers, and a wood frame in a walnut case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1775 - 1799
maker
Longman & Broderip
Longman & Broderip
ID Number
MI.094870
catalog number
94870
accession number
23866
The maker of this square piano is unknown, but the style of this piano indicates that it was made in England, possibly around 1805.
Description
The maker of this square piano is unknown, but the style of this piano indicates that it was made in England, possibly around 1805. The piano is serial number 3223 or 915 and has a compass of FF-c4, English double action, leather hammers, strings are double-strung with the first 10½ notes wound, turning pins at right, no stops or pedals, and a wood frame in a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
purchased
1805
ID Number
MI.072624
catalog number
72624
accession number
12124
This square piano was made by Johannes Zumpe and Gabriel Bunterbart in London, England in 1770. Zumpe was born in Firth, Germany, first apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and about 1750, went to London, where he worked for harpsichord maker, Burkat Shudi.
Description
This square piano was made by Johannes Zumpe and Gabriel Bunterbart in London, England in 1770. Zumpe was born in Firth, Germany, first apprenticed to a cabinet-maker, and about 1750, went to London, where he worked for harpsichord maker, Burkat Shudi. Bunterbart was also born in Germany and from 1768, appears with Zumpe on the nameboards of their pianos. This may be the oldest piano in the Smithsonian collection. It has a compass of F-f3 (no F#), Zumpe single action, leather hammers, double-strings, first 6 anotes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 3 hand stops: moderator, bass dampers, and treble dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1770
maker
Johannes Zumpe et Buntebart
ID Number
MI.60.1390
accession number
227687
catalog number
60.1390
This miniature grand piano was made by Kirkman & Son in London, England in 1851. Kirkman exhibited this instrument, a complete working grand, at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London.
Description (Brief)
This miniature grand piano was made by Kirkman & Son in London, England in 1851. Kirkman exhibited this instrument, a complete working grand, at the 1851 Crystal Palace Exhibition in London. This piano has a compass of CC-g4, an English grand action, felt hammers, copper wound and iron strings, 1 or 2 strings for each note, 2 pedals: una corda and damper lifter, partial iron frame with tension bars, straight-strung, ebonized case with gilt decoration.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1851
maker
Kirkman & Son
ID Number
MI.315751
catalog number
315751
accession number
65928
This clarinet was made by Thomas Key in London, England around 1813 to 1825. It is a 5-keyed clarinet in F, made of ebony with ivory ferrules and square brass keys. This clarinet is stamped:KEYLONDON[unicorn head]CHARING CROSSCurrently not on view
Description

This clarinet was made by Thomas Key in London, England around 1813 to 1825. It is a 5-keyed clarinet in F, made of ebony with ivory ferrules and square brass keys. This clarinet is stamped:

KEY
LONDON
[unicorn head]
CHARING CROSS

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1813 - 1825
maker
Key, Thomas
ID Number
MI.055768
accession number
11451
catalog number
55768
This piano was made by Erard in London, England in 1854. Sébastien Erard and his brother Jean-Baptiste entered a partnership in 1788 and became the leading French piano company in the 19th century.
Description (Brief)
This piano was made by Erard in London, England in 1854. Sébastien Erard and his brother Jean-Baptiste entered a partnership in 1788 and became the leading French piano company in the 19th century. During the French Revolution, Sébastien Erard went to London and opened a branch of the company. Queen Victoria bought this instrument from Erard’s London establishment in 1854 as a gift for Prince Albert. It was housed in Balmoral Castle, Scotland. The piano is serial number 3964 and has a compass of AAA-a5, Erard repetition action of 1840, felt over leather on wood core hammers, copper-wound and plain steel strings, 1, 2, or 3 strings for each note, 2 pedals: una corda and damper lifter, a partial iron frame with tension bars and gap spacers, straight-strung, and a rosewood veneer case.
Description
The Parisian firm of Erard dominated innovative piano technology during the first half of the 19th century and their instruments were favored by virtuosos like Liszt and Thalberg. Queen Victoria selected this piano, produced in Erard's London factory, by for Prince Albert's use at Balmoral Castle. The royal family's heraldic device is stamped on the iron framing.
It has a range of seven octaves, iron framing, and a case eight feet long. Erard's action eventually developed into the modern grand piano action.
date made
1854
associated person
Victoria Queen of Great Britain and Ireland and Empress of India
Albert Prince Consort of Great Britain and Ireland
maker
Erard
ID Number
1991.0372.01
serial number
3964
accession number
1991.0372
catalog number
1991.0372.01
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1948
depicted (sitter)
Boone, Pat
maker
Edwin H. Morris and Company
ID Number
2018.3010.242
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.242
This upright piano was made by John Broadwood & Sons in London, England around 1815. It is an upright grand in a rectangular case. The case stands on legs, and the entire instrument is over 8 feet tall.
Description (Brief)
This upright piano was made by John Broadwood & Sons in London, England around 1815. It is an upright grand in a rectangular case. The case stands on legs, and the entire instrument is over 8 feet tall. This piano is serial number 658 and has a compass of CC-c4, Broadwood upright action, leather hammers, triple-strings, 2 pedals on a lyre: keyboard shift, dampers (split pedal: Bass and treble dampers), wood frame with five iron bar braces, rosewood case on legs, and a silk front panel.

John Broadwood (1732-1812) founded in 1782 what became the oldest and longest-lived firm of English piano makers. Originally a cabinetmaker, he came to London from his native Scotland and in 1761 went to work for harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi, becoming a partner in the firm in 1770, and the firm's director in 1782.

The Broadwood & Shudi harpsichord company had begun manufacturing small square pianos sometime after Broadwood became prominent in the firm, and in 1795 (after 64 years), the company made its last harpsichord, and changed its name to John Broadwood & Son. During its peak years, from roughly the 1820's - 1850's, the Broadwood became the exemplary "English piano," played by all the famous musicians of the time. The company pioneered in greatly increasing the quantity of pianos which could be produced by hand craftsmen, without factory machines, while at the same time introducing many technical improvements to the power and dynamic flexibility of the instrument. Yet ironically by the latter part of the 19th century a tendency to stick with "traditional" designs and technologies, knocked the firm out of its prominent position among piano manufacturers. Broadwood pianos are no longer made by the original firm, but are manufactured by The British Manufacturing Company Ltd., in England, which also makes Knight, Bentley and Welmar.
Location
Currently not on view
Currently not on view (fabric fragment; piano; top)
Currently not on view (base)
date made
1814-1816
maker
John Broadwood & Son
ID Number
MI.303529
catalog number
303529
accession number
62559
This square piano was made by William Rolfe & Co. in London, England around 1820. Rolfe made pianos in London at 112 Cheapside from 1785 to about 1828. His two sons, Nicholas and Thomas H.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by William Rolfe & Co. in London, England around 1820. Rolfe made pianos in London at 112 Cheapside from 1785 to about 1828. His two sons, Nicholas and Thomas H. joined Rolfe, and in 1814 they became the firm of William Rolfe & Sons (also William Rolfe & Company). This piano is serial number 6699 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings, with tuning pins on right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819-1821
maker
William Rolfe & Co.
ID Number
MI.315666a
catalog number
315666a
accession number
58488
This practice violoncello was made by Dunn & Co. in England, 19th century. This instrument is made of a one-piece table of spruce, body carved from one piece of plain maple, plain maple neck, pegbox and scroll, and semi-transparent reddish-brown varnish.
Description

This practice violoncello was made by Dunn & Co. in England, 19th century. This instrument is made of a one-piece table of spruce, body carved from one piece of plain maple, plain maple neck, pegbox and scroll, and semi-transparent reddish-brown varnish. Accessioned with original custom case. The case is stamped:

DUNN & CO CALCUTTA

This is a nicely crafted practice instrument with a long boat-shaped body designed to have limited sound volume. The slender arched table bears painted purfling and delicately carved f-holes. The body and sides are fashioned of a single piece of maple. The fingerboard bears fifteen flush inlaid “frets” to indicate finger locations. The instrument is accompanied by a rosewood end-pin and a carefully fitted mahogany case with brass hardware

Location
Currently not on view
date made
19th century
maker
Dunn & Co.
ID Number
MI.60.1410
catalog number
60.1410
accession number
227687
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1937
composer
Romberg, Sigmund
maker
Chappell and Co.
ID Number
2017.3021.327
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.327
This flute was made by Rudall Carte & Co. in London, England around 1878 to 1885. It is a Clinton System flute, serial #1238, made of rosewood with nickel silver ferrules and keys.
Description

This flute was made by Rudall Carte & Co. in London, England around 1878 to 1885. It is a Clinton System flute, serial #1238, made of rosewood with nickel silver ferrules and keys. This flute is stamped:

RUDALL
CARTE & Co.
23 BERNERS STREET
OXFORD STREET
LONDON
1238
1867 PATENT

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1878-1885
maker
Rudall Carte & Co.
ID Number
1985.0016.17
accession number
1985.0016
catalog number
1985.0016.17
This whistle was made by Made by Langford & Engler in London, England, from 1878 to 1882. It is made of brass with 6 finger holes.
Description (Brief)

This whistle was made by Made by Langford & Engler in London, England, from 1878 to 1882. It is made of brass with 6 finger holes. This whistle is stamped:

LANGFORD & ENGLER'S
LONDON MAKE

John Howard Foote (1833-1896) was a musical instrument dealer with shops in New York City and Chicago. This fife was sold as an English Whistle.

Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1878 - 1882
maker
Langford & Engler
ID Number
MI.055748
accession number
11535
catalog number
55748
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1951
lyricist
Robin, Leo
composer
Styne, Jule
referenced
Hughes, Howard
depicted (sitter)
Martin, Tony
Leigh, Janet
referenced
Crosby, Bob
maker
Edwin H. Morris and Company
ID Number
2017.3021.301
nonaccession number
2017.3021
catalog number
2017.3021.301
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1954
composer; lyricist
Adler, Richard
depicted (sitter)
Day, Doris
maker
Frank Music Corporation
ID Number
2018.3010.139
nonaccession number
2018.3010
catalog number
2018.3010.139

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