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Taws Square Pianoforte

Made by: Charles Taws

18th Century

North America

1791

The compact size of this square piano made it a better fit for most homes at the time. Instead of the strings arranged vertically like in the standard pianoforte, the strings lay diagonally, making the square shape possible. Built by Charles Taws, this instrument is thought to be the earliest American-built piano both signed and dated by its maker. 

Acquired 1980

Fallboard: “Philadelphia 1791”
Range: FF-f3;
Inlaid band on mahogany case