Johannes Player Spinet

Description (Brief):

This harpsichord was made by Johannes (John) Player in London, England, around 1675-1699. It is bentside spinet with a compass of GG/BB - d3, and a disposition of 1 x 8’. This spinet has a spruce soundboard with ebony naturals and ivory accidentals. The nameboard is inscribed: "Johannes Player Fecit."

Description (Brief)

The inseparable case is made of stained wood and has a cover attached with three simple brass hinges. The separate trestle stand is made of made of wood with plain legs.

Description (Brief)

The spinet was a popular domestic keyboard instrument in England and America during the 18th century. A household that could not afford or did not have room for a full-sized harpsichord or organ, the spinet became the keyboard of choice.

Description (Brief)

There is an example of a Player spinet in the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Date Made: 1675-1699

Maker: Player, John

Location: Currently not on view

Place Made: United Kingdom: England, London

See more items in: Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments, Music & Musical Instruments, Harpsichords

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Hugo Worch

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MI.299848Accession Number: 61285Catalog Number: 299848

Object Name: harpsichord

Physical Description: wood (overall material)metal (overall material)Measurements: instrument: 7 1/4 in x 58 3/4 in x 23 5/8 in; 18.415 cm x 149.225 cm x 60.0075 cmoverall: harpsichord: 7 in x 58 1/2 in x 23 in; 17.78 cm x 148.59 cm x 58.42 cm

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-436a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_606224

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.