This was before wound strings, to give the bass less inharmonicity?

Have you played one? I wonder if the tone is thin, with so much of each string not in the cabinet. But maybe not--if the bridge carries the vibrations to the soundboard, which could be bigger in the second one, these could still push some air.

I want one. Just to experiment with and take apart, if nothing else. Note to piano destruction video-makers: do not destroy your harp piano.

I played one years ago that was for sale, was tooooo expensive for me as a student at the time. They are very rare to come across as not many were made.
The one I saw/played was early 19th century, 1830s I would guess. It looked almost like the one in the first photo, but it wasnt black, more of a light wood color.
The strings were nylon like a harp, and it sounded much like a harp, there were no hammers inside, only small plectra, like a harpsichord. It is not loud and bright like a piano.
Cool piece of piano history.

They were also known as a Clavi Harp.

Pretty cool!

Very cool! What is the litle keyboard instrument on the floor in front?

I am guessing, a 18th century harmonic tuner, or a child harmonium organ. One of the 2 I am sure.

I thought of sharing this with you all


is it this same piano as above? gosh i am playing the 1st piece, but mine is in slow motion LOL!!!

BTW thanks for this topic, i did not even know such instruments existed!

Wow! yeah that is just like them almost. Must be a replica. It seems to be a harpsichord though. Not a clavi-harp. Clavi harps have plectras that are rubber or leather covered to give more of a harp sound. They also have nylon strings.

Thanks for posting!!!:)

LOL! what are plectras!! Sorry i'm quite new to all this piano-terminology!

Plectra is the device that plucks the string inside of a harpsichord, harpsichord being the forerunner of the pianoforte. The clavi-harp works similar, just in vertical form.
see below harpsichord workings:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71x4MSlpGUk

Oh thanks for the explanation

Wow now that i've seen the vid, it all makes more sense for me. I definitely prefer the piano sound, the harpsichord is more harsh + you can actually hear the moving parts and the plucking, the piano is much smoother. i love it!

There is the clavichord as well with is like a ancient piano. They are soft.

Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3fV-ggsJrI

Thanks very much for the info. Do you know any kind of book that's worth reading to learn about the origins and the piano itself?

There are 2 in my collection that are good.

1.) The Benton Fletcher Collection at Fenton House: Early Keyboard Instruments; By: Mimi S. Waitzman

2.) Is called "Piano" By: David Crombie, which is very pictorial

I would start out with those if you can find them. I know "Piano" is more recent than the other. Local library always has something i am sure.

Ok thanks for the info, i will look for any one of these books