Backers

Biography

Backers is credited with modifying the Christofori action for use in England, so that the hammer rose at the end of the key rather than toward its center as in the Stein action; this modified action is described as having suggested to Broadwood the idea of relocating the square piano's wrest plank in 1781. Separately, Backers is credited with completing a grand piano action about 1776 that inspired further work by Robert Stodart (the text breaks off mid-sentence at this point). No further biographical detail about Backers is given in this section. From Spillane (1890): Backers appears in Spillane's account as a piano maker whose technical work was materially assisted by two Scotch workmen then in the employ of Tschudi. Toward 1790 he was succeeded by Stodart, who went on to make significant improvements to the English grand piano. Beyond this, the text gives no further biographical detail.

Highlights

• His action (used in England, with the hammer rising at the end of the key) was a modification of the Christofori action and helped inspire Broadwood's 1781 wrest-plank innovation.
• His grand piano action, completed about 1776, inspired Robert Stodart's subsequent work.
• Received technical assistance from two Scotch workmen in the employ of Tschudi.
• Was succeeded around 1790 by Stodart.

Sources

Alfred Dolge, Pianos and Their Makers, Vol. I (1911).

Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 21.

Public domain.