Clutsam keyboard

Grotrian-Steinweg
Braunschweig
1909
Städtisches Museum Braunschweig, inv. no. 0012-0152-00
Donated by Grotrian-Steinweg 1985

At the beginning of the 20th century, the Australian Frederick Clutsam (1869-1934) developed a keyboard system that opened up in a slight arc in front of the player. The system was intended to improve the pianist's playing comfort and thus increase their performance. Among other companies, Grotrian-Steinweg also took up the idea. A total of seven Clutsam grand pianos left the workshop in 1909/1910. 

The exhibited object is presumably the original keyboard from an instrument delivered to a music academy in Berlin-Charlottenburg in 1909. According to a letter dated September 21, 1909, Grotrian-Steinweg offered the college a grand piano with a Clutsam keyboard, which was still under construction – for testing purposes free of charge. The university accepted and the grand piano was delivered in November 1909. A short time later, it was returned to Braunschweig for the installation of an improved version of the arched keyboard – and back to Berlin, after which its traces are lost.  

The case of the keyboard is made of softwood, the keys are covered with strips of ebony, ivory and plastic. Springs mounted on the balance beam of the keys allow the instrument to be played. However, as it has no strings, no sound is produced.