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 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
This square piano was made by Torp & Unger in New York, New York around 1839. Otto Torp was involved in several different piano manufacturing firms in New York. It is believed that his partnership with Ferdinand C.
Description
This square piano was made by Torp & Unger in New York, New York around 1839. Otto Torp was involved in several different piano manufacturing firms in New York. It is believed that his partnership with Ferdinand C. Unger lasted until 1941 when Torp was last listed in a New York directory with a home address, suggesting that he had retired from business. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, the first 3 notes are single-strung and the rest are double-strung with the tuning pins at rear, 2 pedals: (missing) moderator and dampers, and an iron hitch-pin plate. This is the only known piano made by Torp & Unger.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1838 - 1840
maker
Torp & Unger
ID Number
MI.277897
accession number
55527
catalog number
277897
This grand piano was made by Jean-Louis Dulcken in Munich, Germany around 1790. There is an inscription in ink on the soundboard, discovered during a restoration in 1985, that reads “Dulchen in München.” The piano also has a spurious Stein label on the soundboard.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Jean-Louis Dulcken in Munich, Germany around 1790. There is an inscription in ink on the soundboard, discovered during a restoration in 1985, that reads “Dulchen in München.” The piano also has a spurious Stein label on the soundboard. The piano has a compass of FF-g3, Viennese action, with back checks on rail, deerskin on wood core hammers, brass and iron strings, 2 strings for each note, 2 knee levers: both damper lifters, wood frame, straight-strung, and a cherry veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1785-1790
maker
Dulcken, Jean-Louis
ID Number
MI.303537
accession number
62559
catalog number
303537
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 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
This grand piano was made by Heinrich Christian Kisting & Son in Berlin, Germany around 1828-1832. The nameboard of this piano shows that it was made explicitly for export to Washington, D.C. and reads “H.
Description
This grand piano was made by Heinrich Christian Kisting & Son in Berlin, Germany around 1828-1832. The nameboard of this piano shows that it was made explicitly for export to Washington, D.C. and reads “H. KISTING and SON / Piano-fort maker of the Royal Court / at / Berlin / to be sold by Mr. / F. A. Wagler / at / WASHINGTON.” The piano has a compass of CC-a4, Viennese action with back checks on a rail, leather hammers, brass and iron strings with 2 or 3 strings for each note, 2 pedals (missing): keyboard shift (?) and dampers (?), a frame made from 3 iron tension bars (probably not original) screwed to a wood string plate and pin block, straight-strung, and a cherry veneer case with mahogany legs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1828 - 1832
maker
Heinrich Christian Kisting & Son
ID Number
MI.094888
catalog number
94888
accession number
24259
This upright piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York in 1882.
Description
This upright piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York in 1882. It is serial number 47653 and has a compass of AAA-a4, standard upright action, felt hammers, 1, 2, and 3 strings per note, 2 pedals: “soft” and dampers, a one-piece iron frame, cross-strung, and an ebonized case with two glass panels in the upper front panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1882
maker
Steinway & Sons
ID Number
MI.072627
catalog number
72627
accession number
11693
serial number
47653
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 upright piano was made by André Stein in Vienna, Austria around 1810. This is a “giraffe” piano, the upright grand favored in Germany and Austria. It is a grand piano standing on its head, with the right side of the case following the usual shape of a grand.
Description
This upright piano was made by André Stein in Vienna, Austria around 1810. This is a “giraffe” piano, the upright grand favored in Germany and Austria. It is a grand piano standing on its head, with the right side of the case following the usual shape of a grand. The scroll at the top reminded people of a giraffe, and the word became a technical term for this type of piano. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, hanging Viennese action, leather hammers, brass strings double-strung FF-D, iron strings triple-strung G#-f4, 6 pedals: bassoon, dampers, moderator (3rd and 4th pedals), Janissary, keyboard shift, wood frame, and a mahogany veneer case with silk front panels.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1809-1811
maker
Stein, Andre
ID Number
MI.299844
catalog number
299844
accession number
61285
catalog number
299844.01
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 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
This square piano was made by Chickering in Boston, Massachusetts in 1850. It is a fine example of a mid-19th century square and is in playable condition.
Description
This square piano was made by Chickering in Boston, Massachusetts in 1850. It is a fine example of a mid-19th century square and is in playable condition. This piano is serial number 10683 and has a compass of CC-c5, an English double action, leather hammers, single-strings for the first 5 notes, double-strings for the rest, 2 pedals: dampers and moderator, an iron frame, and a rosewood case.
date made
1850
maker
Chickering, Jonas
ID Number
MI.68.05
catalog number
68.05
accession number
275480
This piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York in 1939. It was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague for the United States Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. The piano, Model D concert grand, is serial number 295811.
Description (Brief)
This piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York in 1939. It was designed by Walter Dorwin Teague for the United States Pavilion at the 1939 World’s Fair in New York. The piano, Model D concert grand, is serial number 295811. It has a compass of AAA-c5, Steinway accelerated action (replaced), felt hammers, one, two, or three strings per note, 3 pedals: una corda, sustention, and dampers, a one-piece iron frame, cross-strung, and a maple veneer case with gilded ornamentation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1939
maker
Steinway and Sons
ID Number
1989.0216.01
accession number
1989.0216
catalog number
1989.0216.01
This square piano was made by Alpheus Babcock, for William Swift, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1833-1837. It is the only surviving Babcock from the period in which he worked as foreman at William Swift’s factory.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Alpheus Babcock, for William Swift, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1833-1837. It is the only surviving Babcock from the period in which he worked as foreman at William Swift’s factory. Alpheus Babcock is best known for his invention of the one-piece metal frame for square pianos, patented December 17, 1825 in Boston. This piano is one of three known pianos with his patented iron frame. This piano is serial number 1517 and has a compass of FF-f4, Babcock patent action, leather top over layers of felt hammers (not original), double-strings, some wound, 2 pedals: moderator and dampers, Babcock’s patented one-piece cast iron frame, and a crotch mahogany veneered case.
date made
1833-1837
maker
Babcock, Alpheus
ID Number
MI.315690
serial number
1517
accession number
58488
catalog number
315690
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
Currently not on view (panel; soundboard)Currently not on view (keyboard; legs; lid)
Location
Currently not on view (panel; soundboard)
Currently not on view (keyboard; legs; lid)
Date made
1984
maker
Yamaha Corporation
ID Number
2005.0196.01
accession number
2005.0196
serial number
13523
model number
CP-70B
catalog number
2005.0196.01
This piano was made by John Bornhoeft in New York, New York around 1845-1850. This is the only known instrument by this maker.
Description (Brief)
This piano was made by John Bornhoeft in New York, New York around 1845-1850. This is the only known instrument by this maker. This piano has a compass of CC-c5, single-strings for first 6 notes, the rest are double-strings, 2 pedals: dampers and moderator, an iron string plate frame, and a rosewood case with an elaborately carved stand.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1845-1850
maker
Bornhoeft, John
ID Number
MI.303524
catalog number
303524
accession number
62559
This square piano was made by John Harper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1797. This is the only piano known from Harper’s short career in Philadelphia, unless the Harper of Harper & Fagan was the same person (see piano MI*315684).
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Harper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1797. This is the only piano known from Harper’s short career in Philadelphia, unless the Harper of Harper & Fagan was the same person (see piano MI*315684). This piano has a compass of FF-f3, single action (not original), leather hammers, double-strings throughout, tuning pins on the right, no evidence of stops, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1797
maker
Harper, John
ID Number
MI.315756
catalog number
315756
accession number
65928
This upright piano was made by John Isaac Hawkins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1801. Hawkins patented an ingenious small upright piano with a folding keyboard, of which the Smithsonian’s is an example.
Description (Brief)
This upright piano was made by John Isaac Hawkins in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1801. Hawkins patented an ingenious small upright piano with a folding keyboard, of which the Smithsonian’s is an example. Other piano experiments were an upright instrument, the Claviol, which bowed the strings, a system of attaching the strings to a nut on a threaded rod, and the use of springs as strings in the bass. Only three of his instruments are known to survive. This piano is serial number 6 and has a compass of FF-f3, Hawkins upright action, felt hammers (originally leather), double-strings, 2 pedals: moderator and swell (which opens shutters in the case below the keyboard), wood frame with iron bars behind the soundboard, straight-strung, and a mahogany veneer case with metal carrying handles.
date made
1801
maker
Hawkins, John Isaac
ID Number
MI.313619
catalog number
313619
accession number
64802
This piano was made by Blüthner in Leipzig, Germany, in 1900. It is a grand piano, Model 6, Serial #55501. Accessioned with bench (not-original).Founded by Julius Blüthner in 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, Blüthner is one of the most respected German piano builders.
Description (Brief)

This piano was made by Blüthner in Leipzig, Germany, in 1900. It is a grand piano, Model 6, Serial #55501. Accessioned with bench (not-original).

Founded by Julius Blüthner in 1853 in Leipzig, Germany, Blüthner is one of the most respected German piano builders. Blüthner pianos rapidly acquired a sterling reputation, winning numerous prizes at international exhibits, including the Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia.

>p>This Model 6 has a version of the ornate “Jubilee” cast-iron plates Blüthner produced from 1898 to 1907. It also has Blüthner’s Aliquot System. This patented system employs an additional fourth string for each of the keys in the instrument’s upper octaves. This string is not struck by the hammers, but vibrates through sympathetic resonance when the other three strings are struck, resulting in an enriched spectrum contributing to the distinctive “Blüthner sound.”

Otto Becker, whose name is inlaid in the piano’s lid flap, was a musical instrument dealer and music publisher in Santiago, Chile. The #55501 remained in Chile until 1986 when it was purchased by Fred Chaffee, a distinguished astronomer and amateur pianist whose career began in 1968 at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was donated to the Smithsonian in 2014 by Fred and Diana Chaffee “in loving memory of Roger G. Kennedy,” who served as Director of the National Museum of American History from 1979 to 1992.

Location
Currently not on view
production date
1900
ID Number
2014.3079.01
nonaccession number
2014.3079
catalog number
2014.3079.01
serial number
55501
This square piano was made by Samuel Neilson in New York, New York around 1807-1815. He was listed at 19 Barclay Street, the address on the nameboard of the piano, during this time period.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Samuel Neilson in New York, New York around 1807-1815. He was listed at 19 Barclay Street, the address on the nameboard of the piano, during this time period. The only other known instrument by Samuel Neilson is a 6-octave square piano in he Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather covered with felt hammers, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1807-1815
maker
Neilson, Samuel
ID Number
MI.315694
catalog number
315694
accession number
58488
This square piano was made in Germany by and unknown maker about 1799.
Description
This square piano was made in Germany by and unknown maker about 1799. There is an inscription on a small piece of wood glued to the damper rail that reads “1799.” This piano has a compass of FF-f3, Viennese action, leather hammers, single-strings for the first 13 notes, double-strings for the rest, tuning pins at the right, 1 knee lever: dampers, wood frame, an a solid oak case.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MI.65.0748
catalog number
65.0748
accession number
58488

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