The maker of this spinet built around 1768 is unknown. Neil Stewart was an Edinburgh publisher and trader of spinets and fortepianos. Earliest mentions are from around 1759-60. James Logan and possibly Andrew Rochead built spinets for him. Burkart Shudi’s account books also show sales of keyboard instruments to Neil Stewart.

Tuning pitch
Around 410 Hz

Melchior Guante (1759 – 1845), established his instrument maker’s business in Münster, Westphalia, and in 1815, passed it on to Heinrich Niemann. It is supposed that Melchior Guante was one of the pupils of Johann David Schiedmayer. His instruments are lavishly designed and have a particularly robust construction. The Guante fortepianos which still exist all have Viennese action with wooden Kapseln. His square pianos have underdampers.

Tunig pitch
415 Hz

Action
Viennese action with Stein-type wooden Kapseln, no checks, damper below on knee lever (old “threading” model)

two knee levers
dampers and moderator

Strings
2 strings per key throughout

Shape of casing
double-curved bent-side, polished mahogany, wrap-around trim covered with brass
Four tapered legs, square cross section with fluting and contrasting upper part

Keyboard
Lower keys: ivory
Upper keys: ebony

Measurements of the instrument
Width including trims: 995 mm
Length including trims: 2140 mm

The instrument is a wonderful example of the fortepianos built by one of the most famous Viennese makers of the first half of the 19th century. Joseph Brodmann received many important privileges for the improvements he patented, including the triple laminated soundboard featured in this instrument. Brodman’s most important pupil was I. Bösendorfer who worked for him before opening his own shop in 1828.

Tuning pitch
430 Hz

Action
Viennese action

Five pedals
one string, bassoon, single and double moderator, dampers

Strings
3 strings per key throughout
String diameters are very precisely written on the soundboard and therefore were used as an indication for the restringing of the instrument.

Case
Mahogany wood

Keyboard
Lower keys: ivory
Upper keys: ebony

Measurements of the instrument
Width including trims: 995 mm
Length including trims: 2140 mm

Restauration
During the restauration at the Laboratorio di restauro del fortepiano di Firenze in 2019, all parts were disassembled after being measured and cataloged.

In piano restoration it is only rarely possible to keep the original leather because it is often too worn out. The original leather of the Brodmann hammers was in very good condition and where possible it has not been replaced. This is one of the main reason for the round and full sound of the piano.

The regulation of the action was studied to reach the best dynamic to favour the musician’s touch.
After restauration, the piano has kept all features belonging to Brodmann’s manufacturing and is a very good example of what was offered in Vienna at that time.

Tuning pitch
440 Hz