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.

Resource Type: Pianos

Square Piano

This square piano has an unknown maker, but was made in Germany around 1770. It has a very unusual instrument with a unique hammer design and iron rods as jacks and hammer shanks.
Description (Brief)
This square piano has an unknown maker, but was made in Germany around 1770. It has a very unusual instrument with a unique hammer design and iron rods as jacks and hammer shanks. The absence of dampers (there is no indication there ever were any) suggests that the piano should be identified as a “pantalon.” This piano has a compass of C-f3, simple jack action, no dampers, leather balls on iron hooks at the end of hammer shanks, double-strings, with tuning pins on right, 1 hand stop: lute stop that is brought down to strings, wood frame, and a brown painted conifer case.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MI.303538
accession number
62559
catalog number
303538

Knabe Square Piano

This square piano was made by the William Knabe & Company in Baltimore, Maryland around 1860. The factory, located at Eutaw and West Streets in Baltimore was five stories high and covered most of a city block.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by the William Knabe & Company in Baltimore, Maryland around 1860. The factory, located at Eutaw and West Streets in Baltimore was five stories high and covered most of a city block. Knabe exhibited grand, upright and square pianos at the Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876. This piano has a compass of AAA-a4, felt hammers, first 11 strings are single and the rest double, tuning pins at rear, 2 pedals: una corda and dampers, iron frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1860-1865
maker
William Knabe & Co.
ID Number
1985.0799.01
accession number
1985.0799
catalog number
1985.0799.01

Meyer Square Piano

This square piano was made by Conrad Meyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania about 1833. Meyer was trained by his father as a cabinet-maker in his native Marburg.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Conrad Meyer in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania about 1833. Meyer was trained by his father as a cabinet-maker in his native Marburg. After service for a year in the Hessian army, he came to America in 1819 and worked for piano maker, Joseph Hisky in Baltimore. Meyer moved to Philadelphia in 1823 and had a long career there. This piano is serial number 240 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, felt (?) hammers, double-strings, first 7 notes wound, with tuning pins at rear, 1 pedal: dampers, an iron hitch-pin plate frame, and a rosewood (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832-1834
maker
Meyer, Conrad
ID Number
MI.315687
catalog number
315687
accession number
58488

Wise & Brother Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by J.J. Wise and Brother in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1850s. It is a relatively small upright, about 48 inches high.
Description (Brief)
This upright piano was made by J.J. Wise and Brother in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1850s. It is a relatively small upright, about 48 inches high. Wise’s patent action is an interesting variant on the sticker action of English uprights, and includes a device that appears to regulate the weight of touch. This piano has a compass of CC-g4, Wise upright action, felt ?) hammers, wound single-strings CC-EE, wound double-strings FF-d, plain double-strings d#-g4, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, an iron string-plate frame with wood, straight-strung, and an ebonized (?) case with elaborately carved torsos of angels for legs.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1857-1859
maker
J. J. Wise & Brother
ID Number
MI.315714
accession number
58488
catalog number
315714

Jenkins Square Piano

This square piano was made by James Jenkins in Baltimore, Maryland around 1822-1825. James and his brother Jason were known in Baltimore as cabinets makers from 1815-1821. Jason retired in 1821, and James continued until 1837 as a furniture maker.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by James Jenkins in Baltimore, Maryland around 1822-1825. James and his brother Jason were known in Baltimore as cabinets makers from 1815-1821. Jason retired in 1821, and James continued until 1837 as a furniture maker. James Jenkins might have made this piano or it might have been made by someone else for Jenkins to sell, which was a common practice. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, double-strings throughout, the first 3 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (?), wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1822-1825
maker
Jenkins, James
ID Number
MI.315708
catalog number
315708
accession number
58488

Nunns Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by Robert and William Nunns in New York, New York around 1832 (?) It is a short cabinet upright, about 61 inches high. Robert and his brother William emigrated from London to New York around 1821.
Description
This upright piano was made by Robert and William Nunns in New York, New York around 1832 (?) It is a short cabinet upright, about 61 inches high. Robert and his brother William emigrated from London to New York around 1821. Both worked for two years in the shop of Kearsing & Sons and two years later 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 502 and has a compass of FF-f4, tape-check action, leather hammers, double strings, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, wood frame, and a wood case with a silk paneled front.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1824-1833
maker
Robert & William Nunns
ID Number
MI.299843
catalog number
299843
accession number
61285

Gilbert Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by Lemuel Gilbert in Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1840s. Lemuel and his brother, Timothy, received patents for improvements to upright and square actions.
Description
This upright piano was made by Lemuel Gilbert in Boston, Massachusetts in the late 1840s. Lemuel and his brother, Timothy, received patents for improvements to upright and square actions. This piano has a compass of CC-c5, a birdcage action, leather hammers, single- and double-strings, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, a wood frame, straight-strung, and a veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1846-1850
maker
Gilbert, Lemuel
ID Number
MI.299839
catalog number
299839
accession number
61285

Sellers Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Sellers in Alexandria, Virginia about 1810.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Sellers in Alexandria, Virginia about 1810. The inscription on the piano reads “John SELLERS / Musical Instrument Maker / ALEXANDRIA.” This piano has a compass of FF-f3, an English single (Zumpe type), double-strings, 1 knee lever: dampers (?), wood frame, and a mahogany with light and dark stringing.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1808-1812
maker
Sellers, John
ID Number
MI.317022
catalog number
317022
accession number
67012

Bent Square Piano

This square piano was made by William and Adam Bent in Boston, Massachusetts around 1800. William’s brother Adam joined him on Orange Street about the same time and the firm seems to have existed until 1807, when Adam left to become a land speculator in Boston.
Description
This square piano was made by William and Adam Bent in Boston, Massachusetts around 1800. William’s brother Adam joined him on Orange Street about the same time and the firm seems to have existed until 1807, when Adam left to become a land speculator in Boston. William continued on Newbury Street 1809, when he went to Philadelphia. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, single (Zumpe) action, leather hammers, double-strings, 1 hand stop: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1798-1802
maker
William and Adam Bent
ID Number
MI.299851
catalog number
299851
accession number
61285

Geib & Son Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Geib & Son in New York, New York around 1803-1804. John Geib was born in Germany, worked in London, and came to New York in 1797.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Geib & Son in New York, New York around 1803-1804. John Geib was born in Germany, worked in London, and came to New York in 1797. The firm changed names at various times to accommodate his sons John, Jr., Adam, and William, who made pianos and organs sometimes together, and sometimes separately. In 1803, the firm took the name “John Geib & Son” and was on Bowery Road until 1804. This piano is serial number 5155 and has a compass of FF-f3, a single action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins on the right, 1 hand stop: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1798-1802
maker
John Geib & Son
ID Number
MI.315691
catalog number
315691
accession number
58488

Albrecht Square Piano

This square piano was made by Charles Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1797-1799. Albrecht born in Germany, was in Philadelphia by 1788 and was active there in the 1790s. Some of his instruments are among the earliest surviving American pianos.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Charles Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1797-1799. Albrecht born in Germany, was in Philadelphia by 1788 and was active there in the 1790s. Some of his instruments are among the earliest surviving American pianos. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, a Viennese action without escapement, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, FF-C wound brass, C#-G plain brass, G#-c4 plain iron, with pins to right, there is evidence of a possible damper stop, wood frame, and a mahogany case with lighter wood banding.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1797-1799
maker
Albrecht, Charles
ID Number
MI.315682
catalog number
315682
accession number
58488

Harper & Fagan Square Piano

This square piano was made by Harper & Fagan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1796-1798. Harper may have been John Harper, and Fagan may have been John Fagan who was described as a “laborer and porter” in Philadelphia, 1791-1797.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Harper & Fagan in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1796-1798. Harper may have been John Harper, and Fagan may have been John Fagan who was described as a “laborer and porter” in Philadelphia, 1791-1797. No other instruments by the partners seem to have survived. This piano has a compass of FF-f3 (FF# missing), single action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, tuning pins on the right, 2 hand stops: lute and dampers, wood frame, and a wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1796-1798
maker
Harper & Fagan
ID Number
MI.315684
catalog number
315684
accession number
58488

Whaites & Charters Square Piano

This square piano was made by Whaites & Charters in New York, New York around 1798-1804. Archibald Whaites and George Charters were partners in New York at 19 Barclay Street from 1796-1804.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Whaites & Charters in New York, New York around 1798-1804. Archibald Whaites and George Charters were partners in New York at 19 Barclay Street from 1796-1804. After the partnership dissolved, Whaites continued making pianos in New York while Charters went to Cincinnati and was known there from 1819 to 1825. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, single action, leather hammers, double-strings, first 10 notes wound, with tuning pins at the right, 1 hand stop: lute, 1 pedal (missing): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1798-1805
maker
Whaites & Charters
ID Number
MI.315692
catalog number
315692
accession number
58488

Sellers Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Sellers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1794-1796.
Description
This square piano was made by John Sellers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1794-1796. Because the name board probably came from another maker’s piano, it has been speculated that this instrument could have been made by John Behrent or James Juhan of Philadelphia, or that Sellers rebuilt someone else’s piano. The unusually short compass would suggest an earlier date than Sellers is known, and the action type and knee-lever might indicate that the maker was originally German or Austrian. The piano has a compass of C-f3, and early Prell action, leather hammers, first 10 notes are single-strung and the rest double-strung, with tuning pins on right, 1 knee-lever: dampers, a wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1778-1782
maker
Sellers, John
ID Number
MI.291108
catalog number
291108
accession number
59954

Albrecht Square Piano

This square piano was made by Charles Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1797-1799. Albrecht born in Germany, was in Philadelphia by 1788 and was active there in the 1790s. Some of his instruments are among the earliest surviving American pianos.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Charles Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1797-1799. Albrecht born in Germany, was in Philadelphia by 1788 and was active there in the 1790s. Some of his instruments are among the earliest surviving American pianos. This piano is serial number 21 and has a compass of FF-f3, a single (Zumpe) action, double-strings, with tuning pins to the right, there is evidence of one stop to raise dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1797-1799
maker
Albrecht, Charles
ID Number
MI.315681
accession number
58488
catalog number
315681

Hoffman Square Piano

This piano was made by Johann Friedrich Hoffman in Cleve, Germany in the 1790s. This very unusual predecessor to the fortepiano was called a “pantalon” because of its two sets of hammers.
Description (Brief)
This piano was made by Johann Friedrich Hoffman in Cleve, Germany in the 1790s. This very unusual predecessor to the fortepiano was called a “pantalon” because of its two sets of hammers. The bare hammers would have been used to play loud passages and the leather-covered hammers for soft passages. This piano has a compass of FF-g3, simple jack action without escapement, 2 sets of hammers, one leather-covered and the other bare wood, double-strings throughout with tuning pins on right, 1 hand stop: changes hammer set, 2 pedals: bass dampers and treble dampers, wood frame, and an oak case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1765-1775
maker
Hoffman, Johann Friedrich
ID Number
MI.299865
accession number
061285
catalog number
299865

Feldhar Square Piano

This square piano was made by Gerhardt Feldhar in Wisconsin in 1844. Feldhar immigrated to Wisconsin from Westphalia, Prussia in 1840.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Gerhardt Feldhar in Wisconsin in 1844. Feldhar immigrated to Wisconsin from Westphalia, Prussia in 1840. It is possible, especially given the rather rustic style of the instrument, that he was a carpenter or a farmer who saw a piano and decided that he could make one too. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, with natural keys covered in bone, single-strings (first 8 notes) the rest double-strings, 3 pedals (all missing): bassoon, moderator, and dampers, wood frame, and an unadorned solid wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844
maker
Feldhar, Gerhardt
ID Number
MI.309125
catalog number
309125
accession number
63676

Loud & Brothers Square Piano

This square piano was made by Loud & Brothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1818-1822. Piano makers by the name of Loud first appear in Philadelphia directories in 1811 but are no longer listed after 1854.
Description
This square piano was made by Loud & Brothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1818-1822. Piano makers by the name of Loud first appear in Philadelphia directories in 1811 but are no longer listed after 1854. This piano is serial number 80, and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, double strings throughout with tuning pins at right, 1 pedal: damper, a wood frame and a mahogany (?) case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1818-1822
maker
Thomas & John Loud
ID Number
MI.291107
catalog number
291107
accession number
59954

Hill & Owen Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Hill & Owen in Boston, Massachusetts in 1851. Very little is known of the partnership of Freedom Hill and Henry Owen. Both appear in the in the Boston city directory in 1851 but are no longer listed after that date.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Hill & Owen in Boston, Massachusetts in 1851. Very little is known of the partnership of Freedom Hill and Henry Owen. Both appear in the in the Boston city directory in 1851 but are no longer listed after that date. To get at the strings, the entire lid and soundboard must be raised, which makes the piano top-heavy, tending to tip over to its spine. This is the only known grand piano by this firm. This piano is serial number 119(?), and has a compass of CC-c5, “Plastic Elastic Touch” direct-blow jack action, strings underneath soundboard, CC-EE single-strung, FF-c5 double-strung, 2 pedals: una corda and dampers, partial iron frame with iron tension bars, straight-strung, and a veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1850
maker
Hill & Owen
ID Number
MI.303523
catalog number
303523
accession number
62559

Work Table Piano

The maker of this piano is unknown, but it is thought to have been made in Germany or Austria in the 1840s. This is a small square piano contained in a work table, which has receptacles in the top of the case for sewing implements.
Description (Brief)
The maker of this piano is unknown, but it is thought to have been made in Germany or Austria in the 1840s. This is a small square piano contained in a work table, which has receptacles in the top of the case for sewing implements. Such multi-purpose instruments illustrate the importance of the piano to the training of women in the 19th century. The piano has a compass of F-f3, Viennese action, white leather on wood core hammers, iron strings, single- and double-strung, wood frame, and a rosewood case.
Location
Currently not on view (compartment)
Currently not on view
date made
1840-1860
ID Number
1992.0192.01
accession number
1992.0192
catalog number
1992.0192.01

Albrecht Square Piano

This square piano was made by Christian Friedrich Ludwig Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1832. It is assumed that he had been trained as a piano maker in Germany, but nothing is known of his training there. C.F.L.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Christian Friedrich Ludwig Albrecht in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1832. It is assumed that he had been trained as a piano maker in Germany, but nothing is known of his training there. C.F.L. Albrecht also was trained as a cabinetmaker and apparently improved his income from the piano trade by cabinetry. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, felt (?) hammers, double-strings throughout, first 10 notes are wound brass, the next 9 are brass, the rest are iron, 1 pedal (attached to the center post): dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany or rosewood case with ornamental metal moldings.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830-1835
maker
Albrecht, Christian Friedrich Ludwig
ID Number
MI.314525
catalog number
314525
accession number
65118

Loud & Brothers Square Piano

This square piano was made by Loud & Brothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1830. Brothers, Thomas and John Loud were in originally in partnership and joined by another brother, Philologus in 1822, which was then known as Loud & Brothers.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Loud & Brothers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1830. Brothers, Thomas and John Loud were in originally in partnership and joined by another brother, Philologus in 1822, which was then known as Loud & Brothers. This piano is serial number 912 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action with escapement, double-strings, first 8 notes are wound, with tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (?), wood frame, and a wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830
maker
Loud & Brothers
ID Number
MI.315688
catalog number
315688
accession number
58488

Steinway & Sons Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York in 1892. It was played by composer and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski during his first U.S. tour in seventy-five concerts from1892-1893.
Description
This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York, New York in 1892. It was played by composer and pianist, Ignacy Jan Paderewski during his first U.S. tour in seventy-five concerts from1892-1893. This piano is serial number 717227 and has a compass of AAA-c5, repetition action, layers of felt hammers, single-, double-, and triple-strings, 3 pedals: una corda, sustention, and dampers, one-piece cast-iron frame, cross-strung, and an ebonized wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1892
user
Paderewski, Ignacy Jan
maker
Steinway & Sons
ID Number
MI.74.07
serial number
71227
accession number
310654
catalog number
74.07

Upright Harp Piano

This piano’s maker is unknown, but was made in the United States around 1850-1875. It is a harp piano, similar to the two Kuhn & Ridgeway uprights in the collection.
Description (Brief)
This piano’s maker is unknown, but was made in the United States around 1850-1875. It is a harp piano, similar to the two Kuhn & Ridgeway uprights in the collection. This piano has a compass of CC-c5, tape-check action, felt (?) hammers, wound single-strings CC-FF#, wound double-strings GG-G, plain double-strings G#-c5, 2 pedals: keyboard shift (?) and dampers, metal frame on each side of the pin block, metal tension bar from pin block to lower frame with some wood in the lower frame, strings outside the case from the keyboard to the pin block, dark veneer lower case, an upper case which is heavily carved, gilded post on left with diagonal garland, and decorative metal on the bentside.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1850-1875
maker
unknown
ID Number
MI.315469
accession number
65526
catalog number
315469

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