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

Babcock Square Piano

This square piano was made by Alpheus Babcock for John G. Klemm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1829-1832. Babcock worked for Klemm in Philadelphia from 1829-1832.
Description
This square piano was made by Alpheus Babcock for John G. Klemm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania around 1829-1832. Babcock worked for Klemm in Philadelphia from 1829-1832. It has been suggested that, because the serial number of this piano suggests a date before Babcock left Boston, he might have made this piano for Klemm before 1829. The piano is serial number 283, and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather-covered hammers, plain iron strings, FF-A# are iron wound and double-strung, with pins at rear, 2 pedals: damper and harmonic swell, a wood frame with a mahogany and rosewood veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1831 - 1833
maker
Babcock, Alpheus
ID Number
MI.291106
catalog number
291106
accession number
59954

Huppmann Square Piano

This square piano was made by George Huppmann in Baltimore, Maryland about 1845. One of a number of piano makers of German descent known in Baltimore, Huppmann was respected for rather ornate design and good workmanship.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by George Huppmann in Baltimore, Maryland about 1845. One of a number of piano makers of German descent known in Baltimore, Huppmann was respected for rather ornate design and good workmanship. His instruments demonstrate his German background in their actions and the placement of the tuning pins. This piano is serial number 58 and has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, leather hammers, single-strings for the first 8 notes, the rest are double-strings, tuning pins in the front, 2 pedals: dampers and moderator, wood with iron hitch-pin plate frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844-1846
maker
Huppmann, George
ID Number
MI.315709
catalog number
315709
accession number
58488

Kearsing & Sons Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Kearsing & Sons in New York, New York about 1808. Kearsing and several sons came to New York from London around 1804 and established the firm that same year. The partnership lasted until 1809, when it became John Kearsing & Son until 1816.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Kearsing & Sons in New York, New York about 1808. Kearsing and several sons came to New York from London around 1804 and established the firm that same year. The partnership lasted until 1809, when it became John Kearsing & Son until 1816. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, and English double action, leather or felt with leather cover hammers, double-strings throughout, first 10 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1806-1808
maker
John Kearsing & Sons
ID Number
MI.315693
catalog number
315693
accession number
58488

Decker Brothers Upright Piano with Jankó Keyboard

This upright piano was made by Decker Brother in New York, New York around 1888-1892. The company made mostly uprights, and around 1890 made a number with the innovative Jankó keyboard. This style of keyboard was designed by Paul von Jankó in 1882.
Description
This upright piano was made by Decker Brother in New York, New York around 1888-1892. The company made mostly uprights, and around 1890 made a number with the innovative Jankó keyboard. This style of keyboard was designed by Paul von Jankó in 1882. It features a multi-row array of keys, with each column being a semitone away from its companion columns, and each row a whole step in tone from its beginning rows. This keyboard was short-lived as it required pianists to relearn music on a new type of keyboard with totally new fingering. This piano is serial number 25184 and has a compass of AAA-c5, tape-check upright action, felt hammers, wound single-strings AAA-GG#, wound double-strings AA-E, wound triple strings F-c, plain triple-stings c#-c5, 2 pedals: “soft” and dampers, a one-piece cast-iron frame, cross-strung, and an ebonized case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1888-1892
maker
Decker Brothers
ID Number
MI.299840
catalog number
299840
accession number
61285

Culliford, Rolfe & Barrow Square Piano

This square piano was made by Culliford, Rolfe & Barrow in London, England around 1795-1797. Two of their three surviving instruments are in the Smithsonian collection.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Culliford, Rolfe & Barrow in London, England around 1795-1797. Two of their three surviving instruments are in the Smithsonian collection. This piano is serial number 3409 and has a compass of FF-f3, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, with tuning pins on right, 1 hand stop: lute, 2 pedals (later addition): bass and treble dampers, wood frame, and a wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1790-1792
maker
Culliford, Rolfe & Barrow
ID Number
MI.315665
catalog number
315665
accession number
58488

Perry Square Piano

This square piano was made by Richard Perry in New York, New York around 1809-1811. Piano makers named Perry are known in Dublin and Belfast in the early 19th century. Richard Perry, possibly and immigrant from Ireland, was recorded in New York only from 1809-1811.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Richard Perry in New York, New York around 1809-1811. Piano makers named Perry are known in Dublin and Belfast in the early 19th century. Richard Perry, possibly and immigrant from Ireland, was recorded in New York only from 1809-1811. This piano has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, double-strings throughout, tuning pins on right, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1809-1811
maker
Perry, Richard
ID Number
MI.303521
catalog number
303521
accession number
62559

German Grand Piano

This grand piano was made in Germany about 1735. Its maker is unknown and some scholars think the piano is considerable later than 1735, as this piano has some similarities in construction detail to some German pianos around 1775.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made in Germany about 1735. Its maker is unknown and some scholars think the piano is considerable later than 1735, as this piano has some similarities in construction detail to some German pianos around 1775. This piano has a compass of C-f3, jack action with hammer-heads toward the front, dampers are missing, leather on wood core hammers, brass and iron strings (not original), originally double-strings, but now double- and triple-strings, wood frame, straight-strung, and a cherry case with legs that are not original to the piano.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1725- ca 1735
maker
unknown
ID Number
MI.315750
accession number
65928
catalog number
315750

Haberacker Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Haberacker in Reading, Pennsylvania around 1818-1822.
Description
This square piano was made by John Haberacker in Reading, Pennsylvania around 1818-1822. Little is known of this piano maker except that he was part of an active group of Reading builders giving competition to Philadelphia, which in the late 1820s was still the leading piano manufacturing city in the nation. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, a double action without escapement, leather hammers, double-strings throughout with tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (attached to a center post), and a wood frame. The case veneer is crotch-figured mahogany..
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1818-1822
maker
Haberacker, John
ID Number
MI.299834
catalog number
299834
accession number
61285

Babcock Square Piano

This square piano was made by Alphues Babcock for George D. Mackay in Boston, Massachusetts around 1822-1824. During the 1820s, Babcock was financed largely by the Mackay family. The inscription on the nameboard reads “Made by / A. BABCOCK / For / G.D.
Description
This square piano was made by Alphues Babcock for George D. Mackay in Boston, Massachusetts around 1822-1824. During the 1820s, Babcock was financed largely by the Mackay family. The inscription on the nameboard reads “Made by / A. BABCOCK / For / G.D. Mackay / BOSTON.” This piano is serial number 12/VI and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, basswood core leather hammers, double-strings throughout, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany veneered case with rosewood banding.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1822-1824
maker
Babcock, Alpheus
ID Number
MI.60.1389
catalog number
60.1389
accession number
227687

Vogel Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Sebestyén Antal Vogel around 1812. Vogel was a Hungarian furniture maker whose factory in Pest brought him much renown. This piano was possibly a gift to Beethoven, as it is inscribed “Louis Van Beethoven / S.A. Vogel Möbelfabrich / in Pest.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Sebestyén Antal Vogel around 1812. Vogel was a Hungarian furniture maker whose factory in Pest brought him much renown. This piano was possibly a gift to Beethoven, as it is inscribed “Louis Van Beethoven / S.A. Vogel Möbelfabrich / in Pest. No 152A.” The piano has a compass of FF-f3, Viennese action, brass and steel strings, double- and triple-strung, 5 pedals: Janissary, bassoon (stop missing), moderator (stop missing), dampers, and keyboard shift. The piano has a wood frame, straight-strung, with a walnut or fruitwood veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1812
maker
Vogel, S. A.
ID Number
1982.0740.01
accession number
1982.0740
catalog number
1982.0740.01

Firth & Hall Square Piano

This square piano was made by Firth & Hall in New York, New York around 1823-1828.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Firth & Hall in New York, New York around 1823-1828. The nameboard is inscribed “Manufactured / by / Firth & Hall / 358 Pearl Street / NEW YORK.” This piano is serial number 104 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, double-strings throughout, 1 pedal: dampers, wood, frame, and a mahogany or rosewood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1831-1833
maker
Firth & Hall
ID Number
MI.315753
catalog number
315753
accession number
65928

Newman Square Piano

This square piano was made by Joseph Newman in Baltimore, Maryland around 1828-1840. The presence of a Janissary stop in this piano would suggest a date toward the beginning of the range of years suggested. The Janissary stop was on the way to obsolescence in the mid-1830s.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Joseph Newman in Baltimore, Maryland around 1828-1840. The presence of a Janissary stop in this piano would suggest a date toward the beginning of the range of years suggested. The Janissary stop was on the way to obsolescence in the mid-1830s. A wood frame in this instrument also indicates a date in the 1820s or perhaps early 1830s. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, single-strings for the first 10 notes, double-strings for the rest, tuning pins in the front, 4 pedals: Janissary, dampers, buff, and bass drum (?), wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1835-1840
maker
Newman, Joseph
ID Number
MI.315712
catalog number
315712
accession number
58488

Hisky Square Piano

This square piano was made by Joseph Hisky in Baltimore, Maryland about 1843. Hisky was a Viennese piano maker who became one of the earliest piano manufacturers in Baltimore.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Joseph Hisky in Baltimore, Maryland about 1843. Hisky was a Viennese piano maker who became one of the earliest piano manufacturers in Baltimore. The nameboard on this piano is inscribed “Joseph Hisky / from Vienne / Baltimore.” This piano is serial number 9629 and has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, single-strings FF-C, double-strings C#-b2, triple-strings c3-f4, tuning pins in the front, 4 pedals: bassoon, dampers, moderator, and Janissary (drum and bells), an iron string plate frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1841-1844
maker
Hisky, Joseph
ID Number
MI.315707
catalog number
315707
accession number
58488

Collard & Collard Square Piano

This square piano was made by Collard & Collard in London, England around 1835. Brothers, Frederick William and William Frederick formed the company in 1832 after their involvement in various partnerships that published music and sold pianos and other musical instruments.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by Collard & Collard in London, England around 1835. Brothers, Frederick William and William Frederick formed the company in 1832 after their involvement in various partnerships that published music and sold pianos and other musical instruments. This piano is serial number 1355 and has a compass of FF-f4, an English double action, felt hammers, single-strings, first 12 notes, the rest are double-strings, 1 pedal: dampers, an iron string plate frame, and a wood case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1834-1836
maker
Collard & Collard
ID Number
MI.315676
catalog number
315676
accession number
58488

Steinway & Sons Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York in 1936. Called the “Medium” grand, this piano is 5'7" in length and offers the best of both worlds, a professional quality piano appropriate for a home both in size and acoustics.
Description (Brief)
This grand piano was made by Steinway & Sons in New York in 1936. Called the “Medium” grand, this piano is 5'7" in length and offers the best of both worlds, a professional quality piano appropriate for a home both in size and acoustics. This piano is a model M with serial number 288983. The piano has a compass of AAA-c5, Steinway accelerated action, felt hammers, steel strings, single-, double-, and triple-strung, 3 pedals: una corda, sustention, and dampers, a one-piece-iron frame, cross-strung, and a dark mahogany veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1936
maker
Steinway & Sons
ID Number
1985.0935.01
catalog number
1985.0935.01
accession number
1985.0935

Firth & Hall Upright Piano

This upright piano was made by Firth and Hall in New York, New York around 1823-1828. John Firth was born in England, came to the United States in 1810, and served in the American army during the War of 1812. He became partners with William Hall, his brother-in-law, in 1821.
Description
This upright piano was made by Firth and Hall in New York, New York around 1823-1828. John Firth was born in England, came to the United States in 1810, and served in the American army during the War of 1812. He became partners with William Hall, his brother-in-law, in 1821. This piano is serial number 647 and has a compass of FF-f4, a Wornum Tape-check action, felt hammers, double-strings, 2 pedals: keyboard shift and dampers, a wood frame, straight-strung, and a mahogany or rosewood veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1830-1832
maker
Firth & Hall
ID Number
MI.299838
catalog number
299838
accession number
61285

Hannsen Grand Piano

This grand piano was made by Carl Hannsen in Bamberg, Germany around 1805.
Description
This grand piano was made by Carl Hannsen in Bamberg, Germany around 1805. This is the only known instrument by this maker, who advertised himself as “Instrument and Organ Maker in Bamberg.” This piano is serial number 37 and has a compass of FF-c4, Viennese action (dampers missing), leather hammers, brass and iron strings, double-strung, 3 knee levers: Janissary (?, stop missing), dampers, and buff or moderator, wood frame, straight-strung, and a veneered case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1782-1788
maker
Hannsen, Carl Justus
ID Number
MI.299852
catalog number
299852
accession number
61285
serial number
37

Stewart Square Piano

This square piano was made by James Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland in 1812. Stewart was born in Scotland and learned organ building in London. He came to Baltimore in 1812 and was in a partnership with his brother Adam until 1813.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by James Stewart in Baltimore, Maryland in 1812. Stewart was born in Scotland and learned organ building in London. He came to Baltimore in 1812 and was in a partnership with his brother Adam until 1813. The serial number indicates that this piano precedes number 275 (MI*315704), which is dated June 4, 1812. It is possible that James made this piano himself before the partnership was formed. This piano is serial number 251 and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, some wound, tuning pins on the right, 1 pedal: dampers (?), wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1814-1815
maker
Stewart, James
ID Number
MI.315705
catalog number
315705
accession number
58488

Gabler & Bros. Upright Player Piano

This upright player piano was made by Gabler & Brothers in New York, New York in 1925. This piano has a pneumatic action made by the Standard Pneumatic Action Company.
Description

This upright player piano was made by Gabler & Brothers in New York, New York in 1925. This piano has a pneumatic action made by the Standard Pneumatic Action Company. It is serial number 159788 and has a compass of AAA-c5, tape-check upright action, felt hammers, single-, double-, and triple-strings, 3 pedals: “soft,” dummy, and dampers, one-piece cast-iron frame, and a mahogany veneer case. This instrument features the following patents:

U. S. Patent #766601 dated August 2, 1904 by Thomas Danquard, assignor to Kohler & Campbell, for an improvement in manually or mechanically operated pianos.

U. S. Patent #852422 dated May 7, 1907 by Thomas Danquard, assignor to the Autopiano Company, for a spring-catch.

U. S. Patent #875823 dated January 7, 1908 by William J. Keeley, assignor to the Autopiano Company, for means for opening and closing panels of musical instruments.

U. S. Patent #880508 dated March 3, 1908 by Thomas Danquard, assignor to the Autopiano Company, for a tube-joint for metal tracker-bass and method of forming the same.

U. S. Patent #884643 dated April 14, 1908 by Thomas Danquard, assignor to Autopiano Company, for a folding pedal.

U. S. Patent #902536 dated October 27, 1908 by William J. Keeley, assignor to Autopiano Company, for a sectional modulating attachment for musical instruments.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
1923-1925
maker
E. Gabler & Bros.
ID Number
MI.71.12
catalog number
71.12
accession number
292526

Chickering & Sons Grand Piano

This piano was made by Chickering & Sons in Boston, Massachusetts in 1857. Chickering called this type of piano a “parlor grand,“ but today it has come to be known as a “cocked-hat grand” because its shape from above is like that of a cocked hat.
Description (Brief)
This piano was made by Chickering & Sons in Boston, Massachusetts in 1857. Chickering called this type of piano a “parlor grand,“ but today it has come to be known as a “cocked-hat grand” because its shape from above is like that of a cocked hat. The piano is serial number 17390 and has a compass of CCC-c5, Edwin Brown, leather and felt hammers, wound and plain steel strings with 1 or 2 strings per note, 2 pedals: una corda and damper lifter, an iron frame, straight-strung, and a rosewood veneer case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1857
maker
Chickering & Sons
ID Number
1983.0377.01
accession number
1983.0377
catalog number
1983.0377.01

Hisky Square Piano

This square piano was made by Joseph Hisky in Baltimore, Maryland around 1820-1830. Hisky immigrated to America from Vienna in the early part of the 19th century .
Description
This square piano was made by Joseph Hisky in Baltimore, Maryland around 1820-1830. Hisky immigrated to America from Vienna in the early part of the 19th century . While most of Hisky’s output were square pianos, he also sold grands, uprights, “harmonic pianos and keyed harps” from America and abroad. This piano is serial number 1745 and has a compass of FF-f4, Viennese action, leather hammers, double-string with tuning pins on the right, 2 (or 3) pedals: dampers, Janissary (drum and bells), a wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1820-1830
maker
Hisky, Joseph
ID Number
MI.096619
catalog number
096619
accession number
31877

Huppmann Square Piano

This square piano was made by George Huppmann in Baltimore, Maryland about 1845. It is one of three pianos in the Smithsonian by Huppmann.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by George Huppmann in Baltimore, Maryland about 1845. It is one of three pianos in the Smithsonian by Huppmann. This piano has a compass of FF-f4, Viennesse action, felt hammers, single-strings for the first 6 notes, double-strings for the rest, tuning pins in the front, 2 pedals (missing): moderator and dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case (?) with legs that are probably not original.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1844-1846
maker
Huppmann, George
ID Number
MI.315711
catalog number
315711
accession number
58488

Broadwood & Son Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Broadwood & Son in London, England around 1810. Originally a cabinetmaker, Broadwood went to work for harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi in 1761, and later became a partner in the firm.
Description (Brief)
This square piano was made by John Broadwood & Son in London, England around 1810. Originally a cabinetmaker, Broadwood went to work for harpsichord maker Burkat Shudi in 1761, and later became a partner in the firm. Around 1793, the Broadwood and Shudi harpsichord company made its last harpsichord, and a year later changed its name to John Broadwood & Son. This piano is serial number 715A and has a compass of FF-c4, an English double action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, 1 pedal: dampers, wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1809-1811
maker
John Broadwood & Son
ID Number
MI.315668
catalog number
315668
accession number
58488

Broadwood & Son Square Piano

This square piano was made by John Broadwood & Sons in London, England around 1825-1830. The inscription on the name board reads “John Broadwood & Sons.
Description
This square piano was made by John Broadwood & Sons in London, England around 1825-1830. The inscription on the name board reads “John Broadwood & Sons. / Makers to His Majesty & The Princesses / Great Pulteney Street, Golden Square, / London.” During the companies peak years, the 1820’s - 1850’s, the Broadwood became the exemplary “English piano,” played by all the famous musicians of the time. The piano has a compass of FF-f4, English jack action with escapement, leather hammers, double-strings, 2 pedals: damper and an uncertain action, a wood frame, and a mahogany case.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1825 - 1830
maker
John Broadwood & Son
ID Number
MI.095813
catalog number
95813
accession number
29145

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