Americus Backers

Biography

Americus Backers, in 1776 (the same year as Zumpe's unsuccessful attempt to simplify the Cristofori action), invented an action built on the Cristofori principle that combined simplicity with all of Cristofori's good points. The author states that the Backers invention has to this day remained the fundamental model for the English action in its various later modifications, citing Broadwood's grand action of 1884 as an example of its continued influence. Americus Backers is named in the text as one of the inventors of his day with whom John Broadwood associated intimately, alongside Stodart, as Broadwood kept in close touch with leading figures in his field. No further biographical detail is given beyond this association with Broadwood's circle of artistic and scientific friends at 33 Great Poulteney Street. Americus Backers (also given as Becker) was a pupil of Gottfried Silbermann who, along with fellow pupil Johannes Zumpe, went to London and introduced a modified version of Christofori's hammer action there, which later developed into what became known as the 'English' action. An illustration of a 'Backers' Hammer Action, 1776' appears in the text.

Highlights

• Along with Johannes Zumpe, a pupil of Silbermann who moved to London and introduced a modified Christofori action that became known as the 'English' action
• Invented, in 1776, an action on the Cristofori principle combining simplicity with Cristofori's good points
• His invention remained the fundamental model for the English action in its various later modifications, including Broadwood's 1884 grand action
• Named as one of the inventors with whom John Broadwood associated closely while developing his piano innovations

Source

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911), pp. 46, 47, 87, 244.

Public domain.