Types of Piano

A horizontal piano on either six or three legs is known as a grand piano and it can be either over strung or straight strung, with the over strung models proving to be the more popular. The strings extend away from the keyboard in all grand pianos, of which there are a few models. They range from the concert grand which is obviously the longest, coming in at over 2.5 metres long to the baby grand which is a modest two metres or less in length. As a general rule, the longer strings found in the concert grand will give it a more deeper, rich, resonating tone when compared to the shorter string versions of the baby grand's.

Next on the list we have the Synthesizer action pianos which are digital pianos similar to synthesizers but having eighty-eight keys as opposed to sixty-one. These are ideal for those keyboard players unaccustomed to playing with so called hard keys, but require more than the standard. These models normally come with a range of sound effects and different musical styles and tempos. Vertical pianos are the opposite of grand pianos and are ideal for the typical residence. They are more compact than other types of piano due to the fact that the strings and frame are vertical. The hammers in these types of piano move in a horizontal direction and are then returned to their resting or starting positions by a set of springs. These springs though are always prone to excess wear and tear because of the constant action they perform. There are a few types of upright piano. The studio piano sits at approximately 45 inches tall, while the console piano is usually a few inches shorter than this. The spinet piano is different yet again, with its height barely rising above keyboard level.