Euphonicon
A euphonicon is a variety of upright piano.
The distinguishing feature of the euphonicon is that the iron harp frame projects from the body on the left, such that the bass strings are open to view. It also has unusual stringing and tuning arrangements, and an early example of drop-action. Rather than a single soundboard, it has three soundbases which imitate the appearance of the cello, viola and violin.
Although the euphonicon resembles a harp piano in appearance, the action strikes strings with hammers rather than plucking them.
The euphonicon was invented by John Steward, London, in 1841 and manufactured by Frederick Beale and Company. It was never popular, but a number of examples exist in good condition in museum collections.
