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Bentside Spinet

John Crang British
1753
Not on view
In England, the bentside spinet was a favorite domestic keyboard instrument since it takes up less room than the harpsichord, is less complicated to maintain and produces a powerful tone. John Crang was considered to be one of the finest makers of spinets, but only two of his instruments survive today. This is the older example of his work and has a five octave range (GG-g3) with natural keys re-covered with ebony or stained rosewood and ivory topped accidentals. The case is beautifully veneered and the inlaid nameboard has a traditional Latin motto that reads "Musica Laborum Dulce Levamen" and translates as "Music is a sweet relief for labors."

Technical description: Cross-banded case of mahogany and rosewood decorated with lighter stringing, hardware of engraved brass, natural keys (re-) covered with ebony or stained rosewood, accidentals capped with ivory, range 5 octaves, GG-g³, with stand.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Bentside Spinet
  • Maker: John Crang (British, North Molton, Devon, England 1710–ca. 1774 London)
  • Date: 1753
  • Geography: London, England
  • Culture: British
  • Medium: Wood and various materials
  • Dimensions: L. case along spine (not including moulding): ca. 99 cm: (39 in.)
    D. case (not including lid): ca. 22.7 cm (9 in.)
  • Classification: Chordophone-Zither-plucked-spinet
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund and funds from various donors, 1976
  • Object Number: 1976.177a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments

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