List of Keyboards 

John Joseph Merlin (1735–1803) was one of the most remarkable inventors working in Britain during the late eighteenth century. Born in what is now Belgium, he settled in London in 1760 and became famous for his mechanical ingenuity, creating everything from automata and clocks to the forerunner of roller skates. Merlin also made important contributions to the development of keyboard instruments. In 1774 he patented a mechanism that allowed a pianoforte action to be added to a harpsichord, reflecting the growing popularity of the piano. He went on to design innovative combined harpsichord-pianofortes and experimented with enlarged keyboard ranges at a time when the instrument was still evolving. Around 1800, Merlin produced an ingenious vertical square piano, one of the earliest attempts to create a space-saving upright instrument while retaining the sound and touch of a traditional piano. His instruments were displayed in the celebrated “Merlin’s Mechanical Museum” in Hanover Square, London, where visitors could admire both his musical inventions and his extraordinary mechanical creations. Merlin’s work helped bridge the gap between the harpsichord and the modern piano, securing his place as one of the most inventive figures in the history of keyboard instruments

Photo Credit: Janot Wikicommons

5 octave FF-f'''' - English simple action

In 1830, Sébastien Mercier began working as an independent piano maker.

Before that, he became familiar with the rise of the upright piano in France while working in the workshop of Roller & Blanchet, who were pioneers in making more compact pianos for the bourgeoisie. By arranging the strings diagonally from the upper left to the lower right, they were able to use longer strings within a case of limited height. This principle created a semicircular recess at the bottom, which gave these instruments names such as “piano-pont,” “niche de chien,” or “dog kennel.”

Mercier’s instruments were highly refined, both in terms of their mechanism and their finish. They were therefore intended for the salons of the wealthier bourgeoisie.

Technical data:

• Inscription: 1831 S. Mercier Facteur de Pianodroits perfectionner Basse-Saint-Pierre 4

• Compass: 6 octaves (FF - f'''')

• Keyboard: naturals in ivory, sharps in ebony

• Pedals: 2: moderator and forte

• Dimensions: W 152 cm / D 52 cm / H 102 cm

• Case: mahogany with holly stringing and inlay

• Serial number: 55

• Chris Maene Collection number: CM 44 299

• Condition: unrestored

• Location: 2 - Museum "Chris Maene Collection" Ruiselede

Photo Credit: Uni of Leipzig

The piano is almost identical in appearance and interior to the instrument described under No. 108, made by Adam Beyer in London; the only difference is the foot pedal for lifting the lid, which is present on that instrument. (It is possible that Beyer in London used a piano made by the renowned firm Meyer in Amsterdam as a model, or perhaps simply signed it.)

Credit: Uni Leipzig

This square piano was made by Meincke and Peter Meyer in Amsterdam, Holland, around 1789-1800. Meincke and Peter were makers in Amsterdam and, later, in Hamburg. The Amsterdam establishment began in 1779. After Meincke’s death, date unknown, his sons, Meincke Andries and Jan Lodewijk took over the firm with Peter. This piano has a compass of FF-f3, single (Zumpe) action, leather hammers, double-strings throughout, first 5 notes are wound, tuning pins on the right, 2 hand stops: lute and dampers, wood frame, and a wood case

Credit: Smithsonian