When Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the piano in the 1700s, he had no idea how many different shapes and styles it would take some centuries later. The piano went through classical era inventor John Broadwood, a romantic era in France (of course), and the modern era in which Steinway & Sons, Baldwin, and others contributed to the different styles of piano. Anyone that is musically inclined should understand the different types.
Upright Pianos
As the name indicates, it is a vertical design. The difference between a grand and an upright piano lies in the way the strings, piano action dampers, and soundboard run upright. This allows it to fit anywhere, including small rehearsal studios, as they don’t take up any more space than a couch. It is very common to see youngsters practice on upright designs.
Spinet
The spinet is a different style from an upright. Imagine a smaller version of upright, there you go, that’s a spinet! The difference mainly lies in the size rather than structure. It is usually just three feet tall, and they are considered to be the smallest type out there.
Console
In terms of size, a console stands at forty to forty-four inches tall. This means the console lies between a spinet and an upright piano. But they are much more compact than the upright models. Also, they are much more affordable than the spinet, and they are the most popular among the upright designs.
Studio
These are yet another type of the upright genre. Their size is around 44” to 47”. They are commonly found in schools and churches, as they are considered to have the best compromise between size and tone.
Grand Pianos
Owning a genuine grand piano is a privilege, as these are very expensive. They are considered a luxury, and many people like to keep luxury pianos in their homes. Some like them with customization with precious materials as found with a Malachite grand piano, with malachite-veneered and gilt metal mounted piano would look amazing albeit expensive. The Grand models have horizontally placed strings, and they feature a higher ability for note repetitions and the addition of subtle expressions to notes. This is the reason they are considered a great choice for solos and concerts. It is the go-to choice for most professional pianists because of its powerful tone and responsive key action. Here are the styles a grand may be available in:
Petite Grand
The size lies between 4’6 to 5’. It is the smallest of the grand models, and you’ll find that any grand piano less than five feet is considered to be a petite grand.
Baby Grand
The Baby grand ranges in length from 5 to 5’6 ft. It is designed to produce more sound in a small space. If it is remarkably long, it may be called medium grand or parlor grand. It is the best choice if there is limited room in the house or the space that you’re considering.
Medium Grand
A medium grand is between 5’6 to 6’6 in length. Somehow, they are a little difficult to purchase, as they are usually not readily available nowadays
Parlor Grand/Classic
The name comes from the fact that in the past, they were used most often in the parlors. These are between 5’6 to 6’1 in length, and they are suitable for large rooms in a home, a recital hall, or moderate rehearsal spaces.
Semi-concert /Ballroom/Professional
It is approximately 6’5 to 7’5 feet in length.
Concert Grand
This type of piano is the full-size version of the style baby grand, but it comes with longer strings, a more resonant sound, and a comparatively larger soundboard. Grand pianos are seen as a part of a symphony orchestra, especially when a soloist is performing a piano concerto. Large recording studios have these as official studio pianos.
Electric
An electric or a digital piano produces the sound electronically without the vibrating strings. These models also referred to as synthesizers, can create orchestral sounds through computing languages. They first became popular with jazz musicians, because, with these, the pianists could duplicate the solo breaks of a guitarist along with the cording. Most of the traveling bands prefer these as they can be carried on the road easily.
If you’re a musically inclined person, now you have a better understanding of the types and styles of pianos out there. Whether you need one for your home, school, or a concert hall or if you’re a part of a band, looking at the types that have been mentioned here, it is now easier to decide based on the size and the style you require. So, go ahead and get that piano!
