Thomas Winter offers copies of Hofmann’s 5-octave and 5 1/2-octave fortepianos. The 5-octave instruments are suited to repertoire from C. P. E. Bach through early Beethoven. The 5 1/2-octave instruments expand this repertoire to include all but five of Beethoven’s late sonatas.
Ferdinand Hofmann’s instruments are constructed with an A-frame design similar to that used by Johann Andreas Stein. This design assures tuning stability. Hofmann’s fortepianos, however, have a robust sound, closer to that of instruments by Anton Walter.
Hofmann is known to have used three styles of case decoration during his career: silk-backed arcades on his earlier instruments, and marquetry on his later instruments. The cases of these instruments were veneered in cherry, walnut, and yew. In addition, he offered a luxury model in mahogany with ormolu decoration.
SPECIFICATIONS |
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Compass: |
5+ octaves; FF – g3, or 5 1/2 octaves; FF - c4 | |
Pitch: |
A = 430 | |
Keyboard: |
Ebony naturals, bone-covered sharps | |
Action: |
Viennese escapement action with adjustment screws | |
Knee levers: |
Moderator and damper | |
Decoration: |
Silk-backed arcades or marquetry | |
Veneer: |
Cherry, walnut, or yew; other woods by arrangement | |
Tool Kit: |
Tuning & regulating tools, extra wire, spare parts, leather | |
Cover: |
Padded moving cover and leg bag | |
Bench: |
Padded adjustable bench in matching finish |
copyright © 2006 Winter Early Pianos
