Square Piano
Not on view
Practically the smallest, simplest piano imaginable, this instrument was carried wherever its quiet music was wanted. The rectangular case and layout of the keys, strings, and soundboard derive from the clavichord. Unlike a clavichord’s fixed tangents which contact the strings while they sound, the piano's hinged hammers bounce away, letting the strings vibrate freely. The hammer's lever adds velocity to the blow, allowing a louder sound than the clavichord tangent's gentle tap. The specific type of action found in this instrument is a primitive version of the German prellmechanik and each hammer strikes a single string. This tiny piano lacks dampers, so every tone overlaps the next as in a harp or hammer dulcimer. The instrument case is made of cherry wood. The piano has 54 keys (C-f3), with walnut or stained boxwood naturals and lighter wood accidentals.
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