Music & Musical Instruments

Jesse Fuller's Silvertone Guitar

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.

Topic: Pianos

Pleyel Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Pleyel in Paris, France in 1866. It was sold by Pleyel to Sr. Martin y Salazar in Madrid, who brought it to Washington, DC. when he was the Spanish ambassador. Bought from the ambassador, it came to the Smithsonian from Mrs.
Description
This grand piano was made by Pleyel in Paris, France in 1866. It was sold by Pleyel to Sr. Martin y Salazar in Madrid, who brought it to Washington, DC. when he was the Spanish ambassador. Bought from the ambassador, it came to the Smithsonian from Mrs. Richard Kashe of Washington, DC. This piano is serial number 42423 and has a compass of AAA-a4, an English grand action, felt over 3 layers of leather hammers, single-, double-, and triple-strings, 2 pedals: una corda and dampers, an iron string plate frame with tension bars, straight-strung, and a rosewood veneer case.
date made
1866
maker
Pleyel, Ignaz
ID Number
MI.73.40
accession number
304389
catalog number
73.40

Stodart & Co. Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Robert Stodart & Co. in London, England in 1790. Robert Stodart was one of the leading English piano makers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Robert Stodart & Co. in London, England in 1790. Robert Stodart was one of the leading English piano makers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He worked with John Broadwood and Americus Backers on the design of what came to be known as the English grand action, and it was patented in Stodart’s name. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, an English grand action, leather hammers, brass and iron strings, triple-strung, 2 pedals: una corda and dampers, wood frame with three gap spacers, straight-strung, and a mahogany veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790
maker
Robert Stodart & Co.
ID Number
MI.303526
catalog number
303526
accession number
62559

Clementi & Co. Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Clementi & Co. in London, England around 1810-1820.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Clementi & Co. in London, England around 1810-1820. Muzio Clementi was chiefly known as a concert pianist, composer and teacher, but he was the co-founder of a firm of piano builders which included his name in a variety of arrangements between 1798 and his death in 1832. This piano is serial number 1008, and has a compass of CC-c4, an English action, leather hammers, brass and iron strings, double- and triple-strung, 2 pedals: una corda and damper, wood frame with two iron bars in treble (probably not original), straight-strung, and a walnut veneer case (legs probably not original).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1810-1820
maker
Clementi & Co.
ID Number
MI.303527
catalog number
303527
accession number
62559
serial number
1008

Dubois & Stodart Square Piano

This square piano was made by Dubois & Stodart in New York, New York about 1830. Adam Stodart managed a New York piano manufacturing firm and dealership with William Dubois from about 1822 until 1834.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Dubois & Stodart in New York, New York about 1830. Adam Stodart managed a New York piano manufacturing firm and dealership with William Dubois from about 1822 until 1834. During this time they contracted with William and Robert Nunns to make some of their pianos. This piano is serial number 243 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, felt (?) hammers, double-strings throughout, 1 pedals: dampers, an iron string-plate frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1833-1835
maker
Dubois & Stodart
ID Number
MI.315700
catalog number
315700
accession number
58488

Nunns Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by Robert and William Nunns in New York, New York about 1831. It is a short cabinet upright, about 61 inches high.
Description (Brief)
This upright piano was made by Robert and William Nunns in New York, New York about 1831. It is a short cabinet upright, about 61 inches high. This piano is serial number 1444 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English sticker action, felt (?) hammers, double-strings, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, mahogany veneered case, and a silk front panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832-1834
maker
Robert & William Nunns
ID Number
MI.315699
catalog number
315699
accession number
58488

Nunns Square Piano

This square piano was made by Robert and William Nunns for Dubois & Stodart in New York, New York about 1830. Robert Nunns and his brother William emigrated from London to New York about 1821, and both worked for two years in the shop of Kearsing & Sons.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Robert and William Nunns for Dubois & Stodart in New York, New York about 1830. Robert Nunns and his brother William emigrated from London to New York about 1821, and both worked for two years in the shop of Kearsing & Sons. They established the firm of Robert & William Nunns in 1823, manufacturing pianos both for themselves and for the company of Dubois & Stodart. This piano is serial number 613 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, double-strings throughout, first 10 wound, with tuning pins in rear, 1 pedal: dampers, an iron hitch-pin plate frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1829-1831
maker
Robert & William Nunns
ID Number
MI.315697
catalog number
315697
accession number
58488

Osborne Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by John Osborne (or Osborn) in Boston, Massachusetts around 1820. This is one of the earliest known American-made upright pianos. An Osborne upright, serial number 153, is in Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts.
Description
This upright piano was made by John Osborne (or Osborn) in Boston, Massachusetts around 1820. This is one of the earliest known American-made upright pianos. An Osborne upright, serial number 153, is in Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts. This piano is serial number 152 and has a compass of FF-f4, sticker action, leather hammers, double-strings, but pin block is drilled for triple-strings AA#-f4, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, wood frame, straight-strung, and a mahogany case with a silk front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819-1821
maker
Osborne, John
ID Number
MI.299858
catalog number
299858
accession number
61285

English Square Piano

This square piano was made in England by an unknown maker around 1795-1820.
Description
This square piano was made in England by an unknown maker around 1795-1820. It is serial number 2917 or 325 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, tuning pins on the right, 1 hand stop (missing): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
date made
1775-1799
ID Number
MI.65.0747
catalog number
65.0747
accession number
58488

Broadwood Square Piano

Made by Johannes Broadwood in London, England, in 1798. Because the name of the Broadwood company became “John Broadwood & Son” in 1794, it has been suggested that the 1798 date on the name board ought to be read 1793. The serial number 998 might suggest a date of c. 1788.
Description (Brief)
Made by Johannes Broadwood in London, England, in 1798. Because the name of the Broadwood company became “John Broadwood & Son” in 1794, it has been suggested that the 1798 date on the name board ought to be read 1793. The serial number 998 might suggest a date of c. 1788. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, an English single action, with underdampers, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, 1 hand stop: dampers (missing), wood frame, and an inlaid case with contrasting woods.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1798
maker
Broadwood, Johannes
ID Number
MI.315667
catalog number
315667
accession number
58488

Astor & Co. Square Piano

This square piano was made by George Astor & Co. in London, England around 1799-1815. George Peter Astor had an apprenticeship in Germany and went to London about 1778. Astor also made flutes and had a music publishing business.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by George Astor & Co. in London, England around 1799-1815. George Peter Astor had an apprenticeship in Germany and went to London about 1778. Astor also made flutes and had a music publishing business. This piano is serial number 3213 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English single action with escapement, double-strings throughout, the first 9 wound brass, the next 13 plain brass, and the rest iron, 1 pedal (attached to a leg): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1799-1815
maker
G. Astor & Co.
ID Number
MI.315670
catalog number
315670
accession number
58488

Virgil Practice Clavier

This practice clavier was made by Almon Kincaid Virgil in New York, around 1896. It is a small rectangular-shaped piano, serial number 3614, with a compass of AA-c4. The piano has a folding stand attached to the bottom that can be collapsed for storage.
Description

This practice clavier was made by Almon Kincaid Virgil in New York, around 1896. It is a small rectangular-shaped piano, serial number 3614, with a compass of AA-c4. The piano has a folding stand attached to the bottom that can be collapsed for storage. Practice pianos such as this were popular for their ability to weight the keys, forcing the pianist to press them harder and in doing so building up finger strength and enforcing muscle memory. The following is stenciled on the front of the piano [The date of 1888 is incorrect and should be 1886]:

DO NOT USE THE UP CLICKS
BEYOND 5 OUNCES.

PATENTED JUNE 29, 1888 [should be 1886]
” “ OCT. 23, 1888
” “ JULY 19, 1892

VIRGIL
PERFECTED
Practice Clavier
NEW YORK

This practice clavier features the following patents:

U.S. Patent #344462, dated June 29, 1886, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising device for musicians.

U.S. Patent #344464, dated June 29, 1886, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.

U.S. Patent #391439, dated October 23, 1888, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.

U.S. Patent #479340, dated July 19, 1892, by Almon K. Virgil for an exercising keyboard for musicians.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1896
maker
Virgil, Almon K.
ID Number
1983.0485.01
accession number
1983.0485
catalog number
1983.0485.01

Burkat Square Piano

This square piano was made by F.R. Burkart in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1824-1828. The only other Burkart piano known is in the collection of musical instruments at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by F.R. Burkart in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1824-1828. The only other Burkart piano known is in the collection of musical instruments at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. This piano has a compass of F-f4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings, tuning pins at the right, 1 pedal (missing): dampers, wood frame, and a rosewood or crotch mahogany veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1824-1828
maker
Burkart, F. R.
ID Number
MI.315754
catalog number
315754
accession number
65928

Broadwood & Son Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by John Broadwood & Son in London, England in 1794. It is identical to one that Broadwood put at the disposal of Franz Joseph Haydn during his visit to London in 1793-1794. This piano has been restored to playing condition.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by John Broadwood & Son in London, England in 1794. It is identical to one that Broadwood put at the disposal of Franz Joseph Haydn during his visit to London in 1793-1794. This piano has been restored to playing condition. The serial number for this grand piano is 715A and it has a compass of FF-c4, an English grand action, leather on wood core hammers, brass and iron strings, 3 strings for each note, 2 pedals: una corda and damper lifter, wood frame with iron gap spacers, straight-strung, and a mahogany veneer case.
Description
This beautiful piano, veneered in the best English tradition, has a range of five and one-half octaves, a rather advanced compass for its time. It is triple-strung throughout, and has two pedals mounted on its trestle stand. The right-hand pedal raises the dampers from the strings, while the left-hand pedal shifts the keyboard slightly to the right so that the hammers strike only one (una corda) rather than two (due corde) strings for each note. The large label visible on the soundboard reads: "By special appointment to H[is] M[ajesty] King George III."
Broadwood was for many years England's largest piano maker, and the company's pianos were famous for a big tone. In 1817 the company presented a grand piano to Beethoven. This Broadwood grand dates from the year of one of Haydn's visits to London, and is the type of instrument for which he wrote his last piano sonatas and trios.
date made
1794
maker
John Broadwood & Son
ID Number
MI.303530
serial number
715A
accession number
62559
catalog number
303530

Geib Square Piano

This square piano was made by William Geib in New York, New York around 1835. William was the son of John Geib, a prominent piano maker and dealer and music publisher in New York.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by William Geib in New York, New York around 1835. William was the son of John Geib, a prominent piano maker and dealer and music publisher in New York. This piano is serial number 6662 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, felt (?) hammers, double-strings throughout, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a rosewood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1825-1830
maker
Geib, William
ID Number
MI.315696
catalog number
315696
accession number
58488

Hayt, Babcock & Appleton Square Piano

This square piano was made by Hayt, Babcock & Appleton in Boston, Massachusetts around 1814-1815.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Hayt, Babcock & Appleton in Boston, Massachusetts around 1814-1815. The firm was comprised of Alpheus Babcock, Thomas Appleton, an organ builder, and Charles Hayt, a Boston merchant and was located at 6 Milk Street in Boston, a building known as the Franklin Music Warehouse. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, and English double action, leather hammers, double-string throughout, tuning pins on right, 1 pedal (on center post): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814-1816
maker
Hayt, Babcock & Appleton
ID Number
MI.303520
catalog number
303520
accession number
62559

Longman & Broderip Square Piano

This square piano was made by Longman & Broderip in London, England, in 1796. It is a rather early piano with 5 octaves and a fourth. The firm began making instruments with that range in about 1794.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Longman & Broderip in London, England, in 1796. It is a rather early piano with 5 octaves and a fourth. The firm began making instruments with that range in about 1794. The piano has a compass of FF-c4, an English single action, leather hammers, double-strings, first 11 notes wound, tuning pins on right, 1 pedal (missing): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1796
maker
Longman & Broderip
ID Number
MI.300727
catalog number
300727
accession number
61285

Stodart Square Piano

This square piano was made by William Stodart in London, England around 1820. His uncle, Robert Stodart founded his own piano company in 1775.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by William Stodart in London, England around 1820. His uncle, Robert Stodart founded his own piano company in 1775. Robert Stodart retired from making pianos around 1795, and his nephews William and Matthew continued the business, separately and together, until 1861. This piano is serial number 4311 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins at rear, 1 pedal (missing): dampers, wood frame, and a wood case with metal medallions.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1819-1821
maker
Stodart, William
ID Number
MI.315668a
catalog number
315668a
accession number
58488

Schmidt Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Johann Schmidt in Salzburg, Austria around 1788. It is a beautiful example of the Austrian concert grand of Mozart’s and Haydn’s time, and is in playable condition.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Johann Schmidt in Salzburg, Austria around 1788. It is a beautiful example of the Austrian concert grand of Mozart’s and Haydn’s time, and is in playable condition. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, Viennese action with over dampers, leather over wood core hammers, brass and iron strings, double- and triple-strung, 1 hand stop: moderator, 2 knee levers: all dampers and treble dampers, wood frame, straight-strung, and a walnut veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1788
maker
Schmidt, Johann
ID Number
MI.303536
catalog number
303536
accession number
62559

Stewart Square Piano

This square piano was made by James Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland in 1812.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by James Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland in 1812. The inscription on the piano reads: “Stewart / Upright & Square Piano-Forte / Manufacturers / BALTIMORE,” has been determined to include both James Stewart and his brother, Adam, who were partners from February 1, 1812. There is an inscription in pencil on the pin block that reads: “No. 275 June 4, 1812.” This piano is serial number 275 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, the lowest 6 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1812
maker
Stewart, James
ID Number
MI.315704
catalog number
315704
accession number
58488

Steinway & Sons Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York, in 1857. It is one of the few known straight-strung Steinway grands, as after the cross-stringing patent of 1859, Steinway & Sons stopped making them.
Description
This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York, in 1857. It is one of the few known straight-strung Steinway grands, as after the cross-stringing patent of 1859, Steinway & Sons stopped making them. This piano is serial number 1199 and has a compass of AAA-a4, repetition action (probably not original), felt hammers, single-, double-, and triple-string, 2 pedals: una corda and dampers, an iron, single-piece frame, straight-strung, and a rosewood veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1857
maker
Steinway & Sons
ID Number
MI.74.06
catalog number
74.06
accession number
310654

Albrecht Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by Christian Frederick Ludwig Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1835. It is a “cabinet piano,” about 6 feet tall, in a rectangular case that reaches to the floor. Christian F.L.
Description
This upright piano was made by Christian Frederick Ludwig Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1835. It is a “cabinet piano,” about 6 feet tall, in a rectangular case that reaches to the floor. Christian F.L. Albrecht was trained as a cabinetmaker and apparently improved his income from the piano trade by cabinetry. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, an English sticker action, leather (?) hammers, double- and triple-strings, 3 pedals: keyboard shift, moderator, and dampers, wood frame, and a wood case, gilded with columns and a silk top panel.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1835
maker
Albrecht, Christian Friedrich Ludwig
ID Number
MI.299845
catalog number
299845
accession number
61285

Astor & Co. Square Piano

This square piano was made by Astor & Company in London, England around 1799-1815. After his apprenticeship in Germany, George Peter Astor went to London about 1778. In the late 1790s, Astor moved to 79 Cornhill in London. This address is inscribed on the nameboard.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Astor & Company in London, England around 1799-1815. After his apprenticeship in Germany, George Peter Astor went to London about 1778. In the late 1790s, Astor moved to 79 Cornhill in London. This address is inscribed on the nameboard. After George Astor’s death in 1813, his widow continued the firm until 1815, This piano is serial number 3243 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, first 10 notes are wound brass, next 13 notes are brass, the rest are iron, 1 hand stop: dampers, wood frame, and a wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1799-1815
maker
Astor & Co.
ID Number
MI.332304
catalog number
332304
accession number
94098

Hale Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by in the United States by an unknown maker in the late 19th century. The piano has sometimes been doubtfully attributed to Jospeh P. Hale. This piano was highly decorated by Cottier of New York for Mrs. Gouverneur Morris.
Description (Brief)
This upright piano was made by in the United States by an unknown maker in the late 19th century. The piano has sometimes been doubtfully attributed to Jospeh P. Hale. This piano was highly decorated by Cottier of New York for Mrs. Gouverneur Morris. The inscription on the nameboard reads “AS MAY WITH SWEETNESS THROUGH MINE EAR DISSOLVE ME INTO ECSTASIES.” This piano is serial number 908 and has a compass of AAA - c5, standard upright action, felt hammers, single-. double-, and triple-strings, 2 pedals: a keyboard shift and dampers, an iron frame. pinblock is uncovered, and a highly decorated case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1875-1899
ID Number
MI.316176
catalog number
316176
accession number
66347

Scherr Square Piano

This square piano was made by Emelius Nicolai Scherr in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1825. Scherr was born in Copenhagen, the son of an organ and piano builder. After an apprenticeship in Copenhagen and later working in Linz, Austria, he came to Philadelphia in 1822.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Emelius Nicolai Scherr in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1825. Scherr was born in Copenhagen, the son of an organ and piano builder. After an apprenticeship in Copenhagen and later working in Linz, Austria, he came to Philadelphia in 1822. Scherr worked at various addresses in Philadlphia until 1855, when he apparently retired from making musical instruments. This piano is serial number 2 and has a compass of FF-f4, a jack action with escapement, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, a wood frame, and a mahogany(?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1824-1826
maker
Scherr, Emilius Nicolai
ID Number
MI.315686
catalog number
315686
accession number
58488

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