I continue to be fascinated by dummy or practice keyboards - especially the lengths that the manufacturers have gone to to make these silent instruments.
Take this one for instance, it folds in half in order to fit into a suitcase.
Although the prize for the most impressive silent keyboard of all must surely go to this Virgil Practice Clavier made in 1895. The workmanship than went into this is quite amazing.
Link: Ebay Auction: Virgil Pracice Clavier
Previously on Squeezytunes: Practice Keyboards, Four Octave Dummy Keyboard
I am researching the potential monetary value of a Virgil Practice Clavier similar to the one displayed on your blog. Mine is a bit newer; it dates from Jan. 1910 and the instrument number is 8141. Other than that, it looks quite similar to the one you display here. Any information you can provide would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
Posted by: judy zukoski | October 20, 2006 at 09:13 PM
Hi Judy,
Normally I keep an eye on what prices these Ebay auctions go for but unfortunately not in this case.
I would search Ebay and then watch anything that comes up to get a few ideas.
Good luck.
Posted by: Squeezyboy | November 06, 2006 at 08:30 PM
I have a Virgil silent keyboard, and one of those smaller, newer portable keyboards made around 1958 or so. What I would like, is to buy a reasonably-priced 88 key portable praactice suitcase keyboard. Haven't seen any for decades.
Posted by: Art Palmer | December 19, 2007 at 12:45 PM
Where do you find a folding keyboard like the one in the begining of this post? My God I would love to have one of those. But can't seem to find it. If someone knows where one is e-mail me!
-Sean
Posted by: Sean | January 03, 2008 at 07:23 PM
I found the folding keyboard on Ebay. It looks like a custom made thing to me, and I haven't seen another one since.
Posted by: Squeezyboy | January 03, 2008 at 08:56 PM
I came across this site while searching for a dummy keyboard. I have found someone who makes them, but haven't investigated the price yet-- anyway, here's a link:
http://www.pinkhampianos.com/pinkhampianos.nsf/Pianos/HomeDummyPracticeKeyboard?opendocument&type=DummyPracticeKeyboard.
Hi Squeezyboy, it's nice to find someone who is possibly as loony as my brother Chris, who sadly isn't with us any longer. Like you he played many instruments, including accordian but mainly piano and harmonica. At one point he took his accordian apart and re-built it to get a more bluesy sound from it.
All the best-- Sue
Posted by: Sue Elvin | March 01, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I have a practice instrument almost identical with the Virgil one displayed here. I'm looking for a portable one like at the top.
Any suggestions?
philipmusicman@googlemail.com
Posted by: Philip Robinson | May 30, 2009 at 07:48 PM
I have recently purchased a Virgil Practice Clavier and it appears to be in really good condition. I did not know what I was buying when I bought it. Anyone have any interest in purchasing?
Posted by: Donna Edwards | September 20, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Hi Donna, I'd be very interested in purchasing your Practice Clavier. Pls contact at lornahenderson@operamail.com
Posted by: lorna | October 15, 2009 at 04:50 AM