Acoustic Pianos

Acoustic pianos are divided into two overall categories: vertical and horizontal. Vertical pianos are also sometimes referred to as “uprights,” although technically an upright is just one type of vertical piano, as we’ll see in a minute. Horizontal pianos are also referred to as “grand” pianos.

Vertical pianos fall into one of the following sub-categories: spinet, console, studio, and upright. The spinet piano is the smallest piano made, with a height of around 3 feet. Compared to other pianos, the keys have to go through more steps before striking the Spinet string, which enables the piano to be shorter. However, there is a loss of power and balance, and as a result there are very few new spinet pianos being manufactured. The console piano is the next size up, with a height of around 3 feet 6 inches. Unlike the spinet, the console uses a “direct key” action, which together with the longer Console strings and larger soundboard, results in a better tone. The studio piano is the next size up, with a height of around 4 feet. This piano has very good tone quality and is often found in music schools and studios. Finally, Studio the upright piano is the tallest, with a height of up to 5 feet. There are very few new upright pianos being manufactured, so if you see one, it’s most likely to be old!

Horizontal or “grand” pianos fall into one of the following sub-categories: petite, baby, medium, parlor (or “living room”), ballroom (or “semi-concert”), and concert. The main difference between all these types is the overall length. The petite is around 4 feet 8 inches, the baby is around 5 feet 3 inches, the medium is 5 feet 7 inches, the parlor is around 6 feet, the ballroom is around 7 feet, and the concert grand is 9 feet long. All grand pianos will have a louder and fuller tone than vertical pianos due to their longer strings and larger soundboards. The grand piano has an even louder and more resonant sound when the adjustable lid is propped open.

Here are some famous brands of acoustic pianos that you can check out. Even though acoustic pianos have been made in pretty much the same way for a long time now, there is still a significant difference between makes and models, in terms of the overall tone color and feel of the instrument. If you’re in the market for an acoustic piano, go for one that fits your musical needs, available space, and budget!

• Baldwin www.gibson.com, then click on “Pianos”
• Bösendorfer www.bosendorfer.com
• Kawai www.kawaius.com
• Samick www.samickmusicusa.com
• Steinway www.steinway.com
• Yamaha www.yamaha.com
• Young Chang www.youngchang.com

Console pianos are the most common for in the home. They are more decorative than studios, and don’t take up too much space. Studio pianos are larger, and usually more “plain” looking. The various grand pianos are obviously excellent for the sound, but their size and price make them an instrument for only the truly dedicated (and wealthy!).