Different types of pianos are sized and suited to particular events, so not just any piano will do. For personal playing and for classrooms, one piano is appropriate, while a different type of piano may fit better in a recital stage or concert hall. Sizes and tonal quality all vary from piano to piano as well. Depending on the use of the particular piano, learning about the different types available for purchase helps pianists hone in on what variations will best suit their needs.
Grand Pianos
Grand pianos need plenty of space in order to include it in any room décor. A grand piano includes the petite grand (usually under 5 feet tall) and the baby grand (from 5 to 5 ½ feet tall). The next size up is the parlor grand or medium grand, measuring around 6 feet tall. A ballroom size of grand piano is second largest, about 6 feet 4 inches, and a concert grand can top out at 9 feet tall.
Vertical Pianos
Vertical pianos are positioned upright with the strings running parallel to the back of the piano. These upright pianos are certainly the most popular, as they require less space and are generally less expensive as well. The spinet is the smallest of the verticals at around 37 inches tall, with the console being the next piano variety up. The console is generally the next size up at around 43 inches tall. Studio verticals (at around 48 inches tall) and professional styles (60 inches tall) are the tallest vertical pianos.
Electric Pianos
For those short on space, an electric piano has the advantage of being affordable and portable. While the electric piano won't sound as perfect as a stringed instrument, the convenience and price make the electric piano a viable choice. Electric pianos can also be used to generate other sounds, such as percussion accompaniments. Many people interested in learning to play the piano will start out with electric keyboards to decide if learning to play is something they'd like to pursue. This way, the cost is minimal in case the piano is just not the instrument for them.
 | Want to learn how to play the piano? You might want to start with a keyboard first so you can figure out the keys before buying a piano and investing in piano lessons. |
 | Cleaning your piano keys regularly will not only make your piano look better, but it will also prevent stuck keys, which will improve your performance. |
Famous piano performers aren't limited to the Classical composers and performers of the 18th century. In the 19th and 20th centuries, innovators such as Franz Liszt and Glenn Gould stunned audiences and listeners with their skills. |
The history of the piano began when Bartolomeo Cristofori developed and modified the pianoforte, and other inventors started thinking of ways to improve and shape the sound the piano created. |
Who invented the piano? Bartolomeo Cristofori typically gets the credit for developing the piano for Italian royalty during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. |
