Types of pianos

Different types of pianos were developed to meet the demands and requirements of expert and amateur musicians. Pianos come in a variety of shapes, sizes and designs. The two basic categories of pianos, based on the placement of strings and the size, are horizontal and vertical. These two are further divided into sub-categories.

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Horizontal pianos: They are also known as grand pianos and are divided into 6 types:

Petite Grand: It is the smallest of all horizontal pianos. In spite of being small, it is a powerful musical instrument. The size of the piano ranges from 4 feet 5 inches to 4 feet 10 inches.
Baby Grand: This popular type of piano ranges from 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 6 inches. The baby grand pianos are affordable and have a good sound quality.
Medium Grand: This type is larger than the baby piano. It measures about 5 feet and 7 inches.
Parlor Grand: It is also popularly known as the “living room grand piano”. The size of the parlor grand piano ranges from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet and 1 inch.
Ballroom or Semiconcert: This type of piano is about 7 feet long.
Concert Grand: This type of piano is the largest grand piano type. It is said that they have the most sensitive key action. It also produces the finest tones.

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Vertical Pianos: The height of a vertical piano falls between 36 to 60 inches. Vertical pianos are further divided into 4 types:

Spinet: This particular type has a height of about 36 to 38 inches with a width of 58 inches. Because of its small size, it is very popular with people who live in small spaces. The construction and the size of the piano give it a drawback called the “lost motion” which refers to its diminished power and accuracy.
Console: The width of this piano is the same as the spinet, but the height is somewhere between 40 to 43 inches. An advantage of the console piano is that it comes in a variety of styles. Thus, it can be matched with your furniture. Also, the piano produces better notes.
Studio: This piano is mostly seen in music studios and schools. The height of this particular type is about 45 to 48 inches and the width is 58 inches. Thanks to its longer strings and bigger sound board, the sound it produces is of very good quality.
Upright: This is the tallest of all vertical pianos. The height of an upright piano is approximately 50 to 60 inches and the width is 58 inches. The piano is durable and has a rich tone.

Different types of pianos based on the mechanism of sound production are:

1. Acoustic: A standard non-electronic piano is called an acoustic piano. Keys set off the hammers that strike tuned strings to create a sound.

2. Electric: The electric piano is actually an acoustic piano with “pick ups” that can be used to amplify the sound.

3. Electronic: The electronic piano functions similar to an electronic synthesizer. It uses analog circuitry to create sounds.

4. Digital: This piano also uses analog circuitry but the sounds are pre recorded samples of actual piano sounds.

5. MIDI: The “Musical Instrument Digital Interface” pianos allow communication with computers by sending digital messages.