Broadwood, John (1732-1812), was a British piano maker. In 1783, he patented his own piano action. Broadwood’s designs for the piano revolutionized the instrument, allowing it to be played louder and with more flexibility in its sound. Many great composers, including Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Liszt, and Frédéric Chopin, used Broadwood pianos. His pianos allowed them to explore fully the possibilities of the piano as a solo instrument.
Broadwood was born on Oct. 6, 1732, in Cockburnspath, now in Borders Region, Scotland. He began his career as a cabinetmaker and made harpsichords before the popularity of the piano largely replaced that instrument in the musical life of the late 1700’s. Broadwood’s son James continued his father’s piano-manufacturing business.
