Exploring the diverse universe of pianos reveals an instrument for every musician, regardless of their stage or style. Large, imposing models grace concert stages, while smaller, more manageable versions are perfect for the hobbyist honing their skills at home.
Pianos fall into two main categories: vertical and horizontal. Horizontal pianos, known as grand pianos, are characterized by their length and how strings are positioned. In contrast, vertical pianos stand out for their height and the vertical alignment of strings.
At a Glance: Understanding Pianos
- Types and Sizes: Pianos vary greatly in style, size, and design, ranging from large concert hall grand pianos to smaller, compact vertical pianos suited for home use.
- Vertical vs. Horizontal: Pianos are classified as either vertical (upright) or horizontal (grand), with the key difference being the placement and orientation of the strings.
- Upright Pianos: Among vertical pianos, upright pianos are the tallest, offering the best sound quality due to their large soundboards, making them a common choice for professional and educational settings.
- Other Vertical Pianos: Besides upright pianos, other types include studio, console, and spinet pianos, each offering different features, sound quality, and size benefits for various user needs.
- Quality and Manufacturing: Older models of small upright pianos, particularly those made in the United Kingdom between 1960 and 1985, are often of higher quality in materials and sound production than many modern miniaturized versions.
Largest To Smallest Upright Pianos
Vertical pianos, named for their tall build and vertical string alignment, vary in height from 36 to 60 inches and come in four main types: upright, studio, console, and spinet pianos.
1) Upright Piano
The upright piano, also known as the professional piano, is the most popular type of vertical piano. Often, vertical pianos are simply called upright pianos.
Often found in music schools, professors and students alike use them for teaching and practice. They’re also common on stages for professional performances.
Standing tallest among the vertical pianos, the upright piano usually measures more than 48 inches in height and 58 inches in width. Its larger soundboard is what gives it such a rich, full tone and superior sound quality.
Some upright pianos, despite being more affordable, can match the performance of smaller grand pianos. With proper care, these instruments endure for decades.
2) Studio Piano
If you’re just beginning or looking for an affordable option, this studio piano, standing over 44 inches tall, delivers a brighter and fuller sound.
Unlike other vertical pianos, this model boasts a bigger soundboard and longer strings. Its studio piano’s full-sized action directly contacts the keys for improved playability.
Just started thinking about piano lessons? Consider checking out a used studio piano, since these are often more budget-friendly than other types.
3) Console Piano
The console piano stands out for its superior sound quality, thanks to the action’s placement directly above the keys, with strings that extend vertically. This vertical piano uses a non-drop action mechanism, directly connecting the hammer to the keyboard for precise playability.
The console piano is a favorite for home musicians and hobbyists alike due to its perfect size, straightforward design, and remarkable sound quality. It keeps the essential volume and dynamic range, making it superb for daily use.
4) Spinet Piano (Smallest Upright Piano)
The spinet piano, standing less than 40 inches tall, is not just the smallest among vertical pianos; its unique action also sets it apart.
The spinet piano uses an indirect blow action, also known as drop action mechanism, with vertical wires connecting the keys to the action below. This unique setup allows it to function despite its compact size, as the keys don’t directly engage with the action but through these wires.
Despite their compact size, spinet pianos have a distinct sound quality, which is generally considered inferior to that of larger pianos like the console piano. This difference is due to the console piano’s keyboard directly activating the hammer, resulting in better sound.
The spinet piano, celebrated for its compact design and small size, fits perfectly into tight spaces and is more affordable than other vertical pianos. Unfortunately, they’re no longer produced.
Small pianos were a specialty of numerous UK shops between 1920 and 1985, with some still available today. British firms also produced small upright pianos from around 1960 to 1985.
The small upright pianos made after 1960 used superior materials, offered higher quality, and produced a better sound than modern versions.
In the past, skilled piano manufacturers like Knight, Welmar, Kemble, Rogers, Broadwood, and Chappell created high-quality small upright pianos to meet increasing demand, leading to some of the era’s finest models.
When it comes to overall quality, older UK-built models still tend to outshine the mini upright pianos coming out of the Far East today. The main reason is that the modern versions are essentially shrunken-down copies of larger designs, rather than instruments engineered from scratch at that size.
Compromised sound quality, resonance, and tone make certain modern pianos, like the Yamaha E108, B1 Baby Grand, and LU101, produce uneven and occasionally harsh sounds.
Buying second-hand modern upright pianos is not recommended because they wear out quickly and can’t withstand damage as well as older, more durable models can.