Euphonicon

The distinguishing feature of the euphonicon is that the iron harp frame projects from the body on the left, such that the bass strings are open to view. It also has unusual stringing and tuning arrangements, and an early example of drop-action.[1] Rather than a single soundboard, it has three soundbases which imitate the appearance of the cello (behind the bass strings), viola (behind the tenor strings) and violin (behind the treble strings).[2]

Euphonicon (1843) by F. Bale & Co.
(from MET 44.58)

A euphonicon is a variety of upright piano.

Although the euphonicon resembles a harp piano (claviharp) in appearance, the action strikes strings with hammers rather than plucking them.

The euphonicon was invented by John Steward, London, in 1841 (patent no. 9023, granted in 1841) and manufactured by Frederick Beale and Company. It was never popular, but a number of examples exist in good condition in museum collections.

References
  1. Kenneth Mobbs, "Euphonicon". Robert Palmieri, ed. The Piano: An encyclopedia (Encyclopedia of Keyboard Instruments), 2nd edition. Routledge, August 11, 2003. ISBN 0-415-93796-5.
  2. "Euphonicon". David Crombie. Piano: A photographic history of the world's most celebrated instrument. Backbeat Books, September 1995. ISBN 0-87930-372-7.
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