Backofen (1768-1839) was a distinguished player. Rendall suggested that this instrument might actually be the work of J.G.C. Bischoff, also of Darmstadt. Tom Dibley suggested this might possibly be Backofen's own instrument, made by Bischoff, but stamped with owner's name.
(Rendall Collection).
EUCHMI Acquisition number: (108)
Technical description: Boxwood with unusual grain. Two sections, barrel, bell and mouthpiece. Brass keys; touches of R1 keys curved and overlapping; those of L4 side keys shaped so as to clear the prominent ferrule; speaker ring complete, that of A and Ab keys recessed for the speaker's touch; mouthpiece ebonite or epoxy, of modern German type grooved for cord; barrel bi-conical; bell with integral wooden rim, flare somewhat wider than usual; straight speaker, liner projects c 5mm into bore; ferrules ivory, half-round on bell and lower section, tapered on barrel, the upper one with rim; thumb-rest wood, integral, shaped.
The primary notes given by the keys arranged for the player's fingers are:
Inscriptions: Upper section stamped "BACKOFEN / DARMSTADT"; barrel stamped "2"; new mouthpiece stamped "B. ACKERMAN".
Faults: Tip of surviving mouthpiece broken.
Repair history: Surviving mouthpiece a replacement; new F# key for R4 and new mouthpiece made by B. Ackerman, 1986.
Usable pitch: Plays at A4 = c 450 Hz.
GALPIN SOCIETY, 1968. European Musical Instruments. Exhibition; Edinburgh, August-September 1968, catalogue, No. 160
All material on this website is
copyright.
© Edinburgh University Collection of Historic Musical Instruments, 1999-2003, 2008.
This page updated: 29.10.08