Types of Pianos

Pianos come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are available in upright models for home use or grand pianos for concerts and recitals. Pianos vary in size from just two octaves to seven-and-a-half octaves (the latter being the largest). The strings that produce sound on a piano can be either metal or nylon. Some people like acoustic pianos because they have a warmer tone than other types; some prefer digital pianos because they don’t require tuning as often as an acoustic piano does.

History of Piano

The Piano was first invented by a man called “Bartolomeo Cristofori” in Parma, Italy, around 1698. He was employed by the court of Parma, and he built an instrument that could play music written for it. He called the Instrument a “Gravicembalo col Piano e Forte” which is Italian for Harpsichord with Soft and Loud. Later, the people of the time shortened it to just Piano. Hundreds of years later, Digital Pianos were invented and have since taken over as the most popular Instrument in the world to play. Today, there are hundreds of different brands and models of Pianos to choose from. Every Piano is unique in its own way and has its own beautiful sound. Let’s take a look at the different types of Pianos available today.

1. Grand Pianos

Grand Pianos are the most popular style of pianos in the world. They usually have up to seven-and-a-half octaves which is a very large range of notes for any instrument. Concert Grands weigh anywhere from 750 pounds to over 1,400 pounds (depending on brand and model). A concert grand piano is used for recitals and concerts all around the world. Many different manufacturers make this type of Piano, including Steinway & Sons and Blüthner. These instruments typically cost $30,000 or more depending on size and design choices.

Grand Pianos come in several different sizes and colors. They are usually very ornate with intricate designs and carvings. Their design is slightly slimmer than an electric upright or digital Piano, but they are enormous in size and have a beautiful sound that gives pianists goosebumps when heard live.

Owning a Grand Piano is a sign of wealth and success. Grand pianos are typically placed in concert halls, music rooms, or the living room. They are also very popular outdoors on decks around swimming pools because they sound great under the open sky.

Grand Piano Facts:

Types: Baby Grand, Medium Grand, Parlor Grand & Concert Grand.
Dimensions: 53″ to 73″ Height, 66″ to 107″ in Length, 60” Wide.
Weight: 400 lbs to 1400 lbs.
Price: $30,000 to $2,00,000.
Popular Brands: Steinway, Bosendorfer, Baldwin, Yamaha, Boston.

2. Upright Pianos

The Upright Piano has a very different look compared to Grand Pianos. It is slimmer in Width and doesn’t have the curves and delicate decorative carvings as a grand piano does, but its sound is just as beautiful if not better. Upright pianos make great gifts for children or teens looking to learn how to play; they are perfect for small spaces such as apartments or houses too! A common myth about an upright piano is that only beginners play on them; this is entirely false because many professional pianists worldwide still choose to use an upright piano for concerts and recitals due to its consistency.

Upright Pianos come in many shapes and sizes. They can be purchased new or used. Prices vary depending on the type you want and brand. Upright pianos can be placed in homes, offices, or restaurants because they don’t take up as much space as a full-size grand piano does. The smaller dimensions of an upright piano are attractive to many people who want a small beautiful instrument for their space. They are also much lighter than grand pianos, usually weighing less than half of what a grand piano weighs.

Upright Piano Facts:

Types: Spinet Upright, Console Upright & Studio Upright.
Dimensions: 36” to 48” in Height, 45” to 58” in Length, 60” Wide.
Weight: 200 lbs to 800 lbs.
Price: $5,000 to $58,000
Popular Brands: Yamaha, Kawai, Steinway, Blüthner.

3. Digital Pianos

Digital Pianos have become extremely popular in recent years because of their convenience and portability. They are very lightweight, making them easy to move around, lift and fit into a car. They use an advanced & high-quality sound sample to make the sounds of each note being played. Depending on what model you choose, some digital pianos can be used for recording too! Digital Pianos are useful if you want to learn from your own home or take your Instrument with you wherever you go; they come in many different colors as well! Digital Pianos first came into existence in the 1980s. The first digital pianos could only be played with a Roland keyboard or an electric keyboard. Digital pianos are usually used as an alternative to practicing on a real acoustic piano.

Digital Pianos can be very affordable and are available at many department stores like Walmart, Target & Toys R Us. As opposed to their acoustic counterparts, Digital Pianos can record your compositions so that you may listen and learn from what other people think of your music too! Some digital pianos can connect directly to computer apps, allowing students who live too far away from their lessons to continue learning from home via the Internet.
Digital Pianos have become popular in recent years because they are very affordable, lightweight & portable, and allow you to record compositions too!

Digital pianos are famous for using LED display boards rather than traditional keys like other piano brands do. This gives it an excellent modern look that is great for kids who want the fun aspect of playing with a piano. They can still learn how to play notes while using the display board; it’s all up to the parent or teacher’s preference. Digital Pianos are an excellent choice for people who want to learn how to play but don’t have room in their home or office for a full-size instrument.

Digital Piano Facts:

Types: Portable Type, Console Type, Arranger Type, Stage Pianos.
Dimensions: Hand-held to 36” in Height, 45″ to 60” Wide.
Weight: 35 lbs – 300 lbs.
Price: $350-$20,000.
Popular Brands: Yamaha, Roland, Casio, Kawai, Korg, Nord & Dexibell.

4. Children’s Toy Pianos

Children’s Toy Pianos are real pianos designed for children that are younger than five years of age. These instruments look like the real thing and make the perfect first Piano! Children can enjoy playing around with their toy piano when they’re young and then eventually learn how to play on a full-size instrument as they get older.

Some kids’ pianos include an inbuilt keyboard so that your kid or child may record their own music or just play along with the prerecorded songs. Toy Pianos first became available for sale in the early 1900s and have become a popular way to help youngsters learn how to play instruments since then!

Toy Pianos were originally designed to teach youngsters how to play note-by-note, but now digital toy pianos are available. One of their outstanding features is that they are tiny and lightweight, so it’s easy for parents to get them in and out of the car & house. When children play around with a toy piano, they eventually get used to all of the different sounds associated with different keys on a full-size instrument; this helps them learn how to read music easier than if they never played around with a piano at all!

Toy Pianos are usually built from plastic, wood or are made from a combination of materials. One great feature of children’s toy pianos is that they come in different shapes and colors, making them lots of fun & more attractive to the eyes! Children’s Toy Pianos may also include flashing lights, music sheets/songbooks & microphones so that you can enhance your youngster’s fun learning experience.

Children’s Toy Piano Facts:

Types: Baby Grand, Toy Grands (3’5″ to 5′), Console & Spinet.
Dimensions: 21″ in Height, 9″ in Length, 15″ Wide.
Weight: 1.5 lbs – 4 lbs.
Price: $15-$220.
Popular Brands: Little Tikes, Millenium Kids, Guidecraft, Yamaha & Schoenhut.

List of Pianos by Style

1. Spinet Pianos

Spinet pianos are the smallest or shortest style of upright pianos. These are perfect for people who want a piano in their home but do not have space. These pianos are often bought by people who live in places where they don’t have a lot of space. The smaller size of a spinet piano does not make it less impressive than other pianos.

Some say that these pianos are more of a toy, but they’re just as much of a musical instrument as any other. These complex instruments are capable of generating beautiful music and are used in symphonies. Whether you are buying this Piano for yourself or your child, it will be very useful. This Piano is less expensive than most other pianos. Most people can purchase it.

Some people try to teach their children how to play the Piano. They start by playing on the smallest Instrument available. For such a situation, the spinet piano is an apt choice. Spinet Piano is large enough that it will not be difficult for beginners to learn how to use and understand the keys, yet small enough where children can still feel comfortable using it. This Piano is a fantastic choice for someone looking to fit a piano into their bedroom.

The smaller keyboard of this spinet piano (about half the size of a typical adult piano) is easier for children to reach, making it an ideal choice for parents looking for something more appropriate for their kids. This is an easy instrument for kids to learn. It will be fun for them.

Spinet Piano Facts:

Dimensions: 36″ to 40″ in Height, 58″ Wide.
Weight: 200 lbs – 400 lbs.
Price: Starts from $1,200.
Popular Brands: Yamaha, Schoenhut, Kawai & Suzuki.

2. Console Pianos

The console piano is a type of Upright Piano and is one of the most popular types of Piano. Placed on the floor and usually taking up a small amount of space, they are ideal for smaller spaces.

This Piano possesses a sleek design and is capable of creating beautiful music. This makes it an excellent option for beginner musicians. With its manageable size and high-quality craftsmanship, the console piano is a perfect choice for beginners who want to learn acoustic or classical music.

Generally, you will be able to purchase a digital console piano at an affordable price. The digital models are going to be less expensive than acoustic ones. Acoustic instruments, though more expensive, are a good choice if you want quality.

If you want to buy a beautiful piano, then a console piano is an excellent choice. It will fit in most people’s living rooms very quickly. You can set it up against an empty wall, and you will be able to access it to play melodies music whenever you feel like it. This is one of the most accessible options for owning a piano in your home.

Console Pianos Facts:

Types: Digital Console Pianos & Acoustic Console Pianos.
Dimensions: 40″ to 48″ in Height, 58″ in Length.
Weight: 200 lbs – 300 lbs.
Price: $2,250 to $5,500.
Popular Brands: Bechstein, Blüthner, Bösendorfer, Steinway & Sons & YAMAHA.

3. Studio Pianos

Studio pianos are a bit larger than console pianos. These large instruments are built with practice in mind, and that is why they may not be the best choice for beginners to learn. This would be better suited for children who already know how to play an acoustic piano or those who want to purchase the Piano for their studio/recording space rather than as a household instrument.

With its heavier frame and longer strings, this Piano boasts more sound quality compared to smaller models. It has a grander presence, making it perfect for recording work or practicing without disturbing neighbors late at night.
Are you planning to purchase a piano for recording work? Undoubtedly, the studio model will be your best choice.

Many small studios do not have room for an acoustic upright, but they still need to record with one. This type of Instrument will allow them to accomplish this goal without sacrificing quality.

This type of Instrument is also great for those who want a grand piano in their home but do not have enough storage space or room for it. Bigger and bulkier than smaller instruments, these pianos may take up too much space if you live in an apartment or other tight living quarters. They also weigh more than other models, making them difficult to move from place to place if necessary.

Studio Pianos Facts:

Types: Digital Studio Pianos & Acoustic Studio Pianos.
Dimensions: 43″ to 48″ in Height, 58″ Wide.
Weight: 400 lbs – 500 lbs.
Price: $4,200 – $34,000.
Popular Brands: Baldwin, Bechstein, Kawai & Steinway & Sons.

4. Baby Grand Pianos

Baby grand pianos are the smallest of all types of grand pianos. You will find them in people’s homes, often because they are easier to manage and take up less space than other grand piano models. Baby grand pianos are not extremely large and can fit in dedicated music rooms or family bedrooms without the need for a lot of adjustments.

Pianos are often seen as a symbol of sophistication and elegance. Some people purchase these pianos just because they look nice and use them as decorative pieces, even if they don’t know how to play. They can, however, come with a hefty price tag, so they’re not an investment for everyone.

These expensive instruments might seem like no match for someone on a budget, but it is possible to purchase a digital baby grand piano. The digital baby grand pianos on the market still look stunning, and they sound superb.
It is hard to buy an acoustic baby grand piano. You can only find them at certain stores, so you will need to go to a special store. Digital Baby Grand Pianos are easier because they can be found in regular stores and easy to find. If you want to learn how to play, then Digital Baby Grand Pianos are best for that too.

Baby Grand Piano Facts:

Types: Digital Baby Grand Pianos & Acoustic Baby Grand Pianos.
Dimensions: 60″ in Height, 66″ in Length.
Weight: Around 500 lbs.
Price: $22,000 to $96,000.
Popular Brands: Fazioli, Aire, Bluthner, Story & Clark, and Mason & Hamlin.

5. Medium Grand Pianos

As the name suggests, this type of Piano is in-between a baby grand and full grand. It is about six feet tall, and it has the same width as a large upright bass. Medium grands are heavier than small grand pianos, so they might not be the ideal option for people who don’t have much storage space or mobility around their homes. However, anyone who gets one is unlikely to regret their decision because these instruments sound great!

These pianos are perfect for people who want to enhance the look of their home but don’t want something too flashy. They fit into most living rooms or music rooms without looking out of place, and they provide a lovely ambiance for practicing Piano.

Some people will choose medium grand over full-sized grand pianos because they like the intimate experience that these instruments offer. You can also find them in smaller studios because they tend to be cheaper than larger models. Medium Grand Pianos are an excellent option for people who want to buy something they can use both as an instrument and as decoration.

Medium Grand Pianos Facts:

Types: Digital Medium Grand Pianos & Acoustic Medium Grand Pianos
Dimensions: 66″ to 69″ in Height, 72″ in Length.
Weight: 600 lbs.
Price: $29,000 to $1,10,000
Brands: Baldwin, Bechstein, Cristofori, Knabe, Mason & Hamlin.

6. Parlor Grand Pianos

Parlor grand pianos are typically 6’2″ long, which means they’re too large for most homes. These are generally reserved for earnest musicians and may be used as a touring piano in musical acts.

These days, grand pianos are not as famous. Their size means they are challenging to find a suitable space for them in modern homes, but they tend to be significantly grander than baby or uprights. This is a perfect option for those looking to have a stunning grand piano in their music room. The sound will be fantastic and impressive.

Parlor Grand Piano Facts:

Types: Digital Parlor Grand Pianos & Acoustic Parlor Grand Pianos.
Dimensions: 69″ to 73″ in Height, 74″ in Length.
Weight: 600 lbs – 700 lbs.
Price: $39,000 to $1,42,000.
Brands: Steinway & Sons and Mason & Hamlin are the only companies that continue making these pianos today.

7. Concert Grand Pianos

These pianos are also known as the full grand Piano. Typically, they will measure between 84” to 96” in length and stand at 80″ in height. They are by far the biggest of all grand pianos and can be very difficult to transport and set up. The concert grand has longer and more rigid strings than other pianos. This gives the concert grand its distinguished sound. Many things can affect the overall sound of the concert grand, including its age and humidity.

There are not too many concert grands on the market today, so you will have to be very diligent when looking for one. If you do track down the right Instrument, you’ll be able to create beautiful music.

Anyone purchasing one of these will probably have to block out a significant chunk of their home and money for it or hire someone to move it for them.

Concert Grand Pianos Facts:

Dimensions: 72″ to 76″ in Height, 107″ in Length.
Weight: 600 lbs – 700 lbs.
Price: $1,30,000 to $2,10,000.
Brands: Steinway and Sons, Yamaha, & Baldwin.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! This is a quick guide to help you find the perfect Piano for you. Consider what size might be best for your needs, as well as the Instrument’s weight and cost. Whether you are a child or an adult, these instruments will produce beautiful music for years to come. We hope you’ve enjoyed our article on the different types of pianos. If you have any questions or need help deciding which one is right for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us!

Different Types of Pianos – A Detailed Guide

History of Piano