It was originally known as a "steam piano", with Stoddard forming the American Steam Piano Company [sometimes referred to as the American Steam Music Company] in Worcester, Massachusetts. His first instrument, consisting of a steam boiler, a set of valves, and fifteen graded steam whistles played from a pinned cylinder, reportedly could be heard for a range of . The Worcester City Council banned him from playing it within the city limits because it was so loud.
It was initially called a "steam piano", and Stoddard established the American Steam Piano Company [sometimes referred to as the American Steam Music Company] in Worcester, Massachusetts. His first instrument, consisting of a steam boiler, a set of valves, and fifteen graded steam whistles played from a pinned cylinder, reportedly produced a sound range of . The Worcester City Council prohibited him from playing it within city limits due to its loudness.