Built: approx. in 1909 Serial number: 4280 Mechanism: Hupfeld Clavitist 77 Height: 1.30 m
Hupfeld Clavitist was the name of 77 notes pianos with an additional option of percussion control. The scale is based on the 72 note Phonola. These instruments were preferred in restaurants, cafés, bars, dance halls etc. Clavitist pianos had a percussion add-on - or the cabinet seen here - or were like this instrument designed as a pure piano, according to the customer's wish. This instrument was evidently delivered by the music house Ortlien in Augsburg (A.20). The piano was, like most Clavitist pianos, very worn from intensive use and severely affected on the outside. It also lacked the original electric candlesticks, the motor, the resistors and the automatic circuit. One peculiarity of this Hupfeld Clavitist is the location of the drive on its back and the absence of an air-powered wind motor, because the piano roll was driven by a threaded screw. The tempo of the piano roll was easily adjusted by an adjusting screw that reduced or increased the radius of the turntable. All bellows and the accentuation unit were completely refurbished to restore playability, and the drive was refitted with a new motor. The case was refurbished, too, and old candlesticks were mounted at the piano. Now the beautiful Hupfeld Clavitist piano plays againwith moving keys and is owned by a fellow collector at Lake Constance.
On YouTube you will find sound examples of this beautiful Hupfeld Clavitist piano.
Built: approx. in 1925 Serial number: 5522 Mechanism: Hupfeld Animatic Clavitist Height: 1.40 m
The late version of the Hupfeld Animatic Clavitist with those metal pneumatics that became available in 1924 are very rarely found - especially if they include xylophone and percussion, as this instrument does. This one as well was probably used in a restaurant, café, bar or dance hall. The instrument was in need of repair and visually severely affected. The original electric candlesticks, the motor, the coin box and parts of the automatic circuit were absent. The metal pneumatics and the whole self-playing mechanism were reconditioned to restore playability. An original Clavitist motor was inserted. Also the case was renewed. Now this beautiful Hupfeld Animatic Clavitist piano is playing again and is as well owned by a fellow collector at Lake Constance.
On YouTube you will find a sound example of this beautiful Hupfeld Animatic Clavitist piano.
