Gustavus Hessilens
maker
Biography
Gustavus Hessilens made spinets and virginals in Philadelphia in 1742. According to Spillane, these instruments were undoubtedly the first musical instruments of their kind manufactured in America, predating any known American-made pianoforte by more than three decades. Because the spinet and virginal had since been superseded by the pianoforte and lost practical utility by the time of Spillane's writing, he treats Hessilens's work as chiefly of antiquarian interest rather than continuing commercial significance. No further biographical details, dates, or nationality are given for Hessilens in this text.
Highlights
- Made spinets and virginals in Philadelphia in 1742, believed to be the first such instruments manufactured in America.
Source
Daniel Spillane, History of the American Pianoforte (1890), p. 73.
Public domain.