Square Piano
Jonas Chickering American
Not on view
Chickering was the first important manufacturer of pianos in America, incorporating steam power in his factories and innovations like the firm's use, beginning in 1837, of a one-piece cast iron frame. By the 1850s it had superseded Erard as the premier piano manufacturer, and in the 1860s and 1870s Chickering and Steinway engaged in a fierce rivalry. Chickering was the first American producer of grands, but pianos produced for domestic use including squares like this instrument as well as uprights far outsold the larger, more expensive models.
This square piano, like others of that name is rectangular in shape, and has a mahogany case with rosewood striping. It has four turned and fluted legs with brass casters. The damper pedal is mounted to a pedal lyre in the middle of the keyboard. The compass of the instrument is FF-c4 (68 keys) with ivory naturals and ebony accidentals. It has an English double action with backchecks and is double strung throughout.
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