Would you prefer your piano to take up less floor space and look a little more elegant? Have you considered a console piano? Console pianos became popular in the early to mid 1900's. This was due to the fact that they were designed more like furniture than pianos, were slightly smaller in size, and still offered quality sound.
A console piano is a particular type of upright piano. An upright piano is fundamentally different to a grand piano in that the strings are stretched downwards, and instead of running horizontally, the soundboard runs vertically. There are five groups of upright pianos. Apart from the console piano, the others are the professional, the consolette, the studio, and the spinet.
The height of the piano is the determining factor as to determining the category of the upright piano. An authentic console piano will have a height between 40 inches (101.6 cm) and 44 inches (111.8 cm). The professional upright piano is the tallest, and the spinet piano is the shortest. Generally, all upright pianos have a depth between 21 inches (53.3 cm) and 26 inches (66 cm). The space from the bottom of the keyboard to the floor is an average of 24 inches ( 61 cm) with most upright pianos.
Today, standard console pianos usually are approximately 42 inches (101.6 cm) high. Originally, they were a little shorter at 40 inches. Standard console pianos give the most choice in cabinet design and cost. Unlike the smaller and less expensive spinet pianos, they have a full sized action on the end of the keys. The end of the key pushes up on the action, whereas the spinet has a drop action. This means that the hammers sit below the level of the keys and drop stickers are utilized to reach down and pull up the action. Most piano players prefer the feel and touch of a console piano over a spinet.
Although the smaller size and vertical strings can modify the resonation and sound of the piano music, a quality console piano can very nearly replicate the beautiful tones of a grand piano. Console pianos will take up less of your floor space and certainly, less of your finances, than a grand piano. Console pianos are a great choice for the home piano player who has limited space. Their appearances are very beautiful, making them ideal for those who have to display them in their formal lounge room. Designs can range from very sleek and modern, to very old worldy with fancy engraving and inlaying of the woodwork.
Due to their appearance, cost, size and playing capabilities, console pianos are one of the most popular versions of the upright piano available today. Many of the foremost piano manufactures offer the console piano in their ranges. For further information and images of the various types available we suggest these sites:
Baldwin console piano: BaldwinPiano.com
Steinway console piano: http://www.steinway.com/steinway/
The Kimball console piano and the Everett console piano are just another two of the brands available through many reputable used piano dealers.
The console piano has a place in many homes for the keen pianist who is also seeking an eye catching piece of smaller furniture. Whilst a concert pianist would always select a grand piano for their performance, we do not all have the space of a concert hall to fulfill our musical ambitions.
