Types of Upright Pianos
Vertical pianos or upright pianos are the most popular type of piano for in-home purchase. Vertical pianos are usually more compact and less expensive than grand pianos and baby grand pianos. Due to the limited dimensions of upright pianos, they are the perfect choice for private homes, music conservatories, community centers, university music programs, schools and churches. There are many types of upright pianos available for purchase, so let’s go through the more popular ones.
What is an Upright Piano?
A vertical or upright piano features a very different frame and strings when compared to a baby grand piano or a concert grand. The piano’s internal hardware runs vertically, perpendicular to the keyboard, which allows it to take less space. The vertical piano was invented back in 1826 in London, quickly gaining popularity and allowing the creation of many different types of upright pianos soon after that. The vertical piano allowed the introduction of classical music directly into homes and pubs, whereas before its invention, piano music was only available in ballrooms.
The main types of upright pianos are:
-
Spinet
-
Console
-
Studio Upright
-
Full-Size or Professional Upright Piano
The largest vertical piano models will be around 5’ tall, but most grand pianos range between 5’ and 9’ in length. Generally speaking, longer strings and soundboards with a larger surface area will produce better sound quality. Due to its limitations, the vertical action on upright pianos is less responsive when compared to horizontal grand pianos.
Spinet Upright Piano
The spinet piano is the smallest type of vertical piano available for purchase. It’s also one of the most affordable pianos you can purchase. Due to their limitations, they provide the poorest sound quality of the upright piano family. That being said, these pianos are excellent for beginners and players with tight budgets.
What is a Console Upright Piano?
Console pianos are built with a “direct blow” action. The keys connect directly to the action, which makes the piano easier to play and offers an improvement in terms of sound quality.
Console vertical pianos are up to 44” in height, allowing for longer strings and improved sound quality, compared to spinet pianos. Console pianos are a great choice for beginners and intermediate players since they are only a little bit more expensive than spinets.
Studio Upright Piano
Studio vertical pianos are at least 45” tall, and produce better sound quality, compared to spinet or console pianos. Apart from the longer strings and soundboard, these pianos also feature full-size action, making it easier for players to bring out the full range of the instrument. Vertical studio pianos are an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced players.
Full Size & Professional Upright Piano
The full size vertical piano is the largest type of upright pianos. These pianos feature soundboards that are similar in size to those of baby grands. This means that you’ll be getting a sound quality that’s similar to a baby grand but without needing too much space to store it. That being said, professional upright pianos tend to be quite expensive, compared to the other, smaller models. These types of vertical pianos are recommended for intermediate and experienced players.
Standard Upright Piano Dimensions
Vertical pianos, also known as upright pianos are the most popular model for in-home piano purchase. Vertical pianos are generally less expensive and more compact than grand pianos or baby grands. The upright piano dimensions make it the perfect choice for schools, churches, university music programs, community centers, music conservatories and private homes.
What is an Upright Piano?
A vertical piano features a different frame and strings compared to a grand or baby grand piano. The piano’s internal hardware runs vertically, perpendicular to the keyboard – allowing it to take up less space. Robert Wornum invented the mechanical action structure of the vertical piano back in 1826 in London, and it quickly gained popularity as the upright piano dimensions allowed the placement of these musical instruments in homes and pubs, whereas grand pianos were only available in ballrooms.
Standard Upright Piano
What is the difference between an upright and grand piano?
The grand piano has the same shape as the pianoforte, one of the early types of pianos. The strings are strung horizontally, allowing it for a greater richness of sound. In a vertical piano on the other hand, the strings are strung vertically. The hammers themselves move horizontally and return to their original position with the use of springs.
Standard Upright Piano Dimensions
The standard upright piano dimensions are 58 inches in width, 48 to 60 inches in height and around 24 inches in depth. The average upright piano height tends to differ, according to the manufacturer and model. Vertical pianos can be divided further into four different categories:
-
Upright Piano – 50 to 60 inches in height
-
Studio Piano – 45 to 49 inches in height
-
Console Piano – 40 to 44 inches in height
-
Spinet Piano – 36 to 39 inches in height
How wide is an upright piano?
Although your average upright piano dimensions tend to differ from one model to another, the width of the piano remains the same – 58 inches. This is to accommodate the 88 specific keys regularly found on a piano.
How much does an upright piano weigh?
Your average upright piano weighs between 500 and 800 pounds. You will need at least 4 people to move a vertical piano.
Visit our Piano Store in Boston – we have over 250 pianos on display in two showrooms and much more available through custom order. Roger’s Piano a top destination for piano shoppers, as we have more choices than any other dealer in New England.
Schimmel 130T Upright Piano
Schimmel is the most awarded German piano manufacturer. Every piano is made with special tone wood and exquisite craftsmanship.
Built in 1995, this 51″ mahogany polish upright piano can rival many baby grand pianos. It has the power of a grand and is responsive to accommodate great dynamic range. This is a great opportunity to own a 100% made in Germany piano. This is a rare find!
Kawai K800 Professional Upright Piano
The 53″ Kawai K800 Professional Piano is the epitome of upright piano craftsmanship. Its elegant form and exceptional tone will fulfill the needs of any professional teaching studio or intimate performance setting.
- Exclusive Millennium III Upright Action
with ABS-Carbon Composites - Agraffes
Agraffes ensure accuracy in string alignment,
spacing and angles to produce greater uniformity,
enhanced tone, smoother tuning and consistent
“speaking length” for each note. - Full Duplex Scale (Upper and Lower)
The duplex scale enhances harmonics in the
treble range, adding brilliance and richness to
the piano’s tone. - Royal George Hammer Felt
- True Sostenuto Pedal
- Grand-Style “Hard Finish” Music Rack
- NEOTEX™ Key Surfaces
- Double Felted, Mahogany Core Hammers
- Height Adjustable Bench
Kawai K800 Professional Piano is available in our piano showroom in Massachusetts.
Kawai 508 Upright Piano
Kawai model 508 Upright piano for sale is available in our piano showroom in Natick, Massachusetts.
Kawai Upright piano, model 508 Series Decorator Console is specially designed to meet the needs of those who require elegance, high quality and exceptional durability in an instrument… without a premium price tag. This finely-crafted, superb-sounding instrument will provide satisfying musical enjoyment for years to come.
- Ultra_Responsive Direct Blow Action
- Exclusive ABS Styran Action Parts
- Solid Spruce Soundboard
Specifications
Dimensions: 44 1/2″ (H) x 59″ (W) x 24″ (D)
Weight: 424 lbs.
#1 String: 44 1/2″
Soundboard: Solid Spruce
Ribs: 9
Tuning Pins: Nickel Plated
Keystick: 16 1/4″
Backports: 5
Finishes: Satin Mahogany
Kawai K200 Studio Upright Piano
Kawai Studio Upright Piano, model K200, is 45″ in height and has a wonderful tone. For over forty years, Kawai has been the architect of the modern piano, boldly pioneering the use of state-of-the-art materials and ideas to advance the piano art form.
While our nine decades of experience and tradition have enabled the creation of remarkable touch and tone for today, it is our celebrated technology that powerfully preserves and sustains that outstanding touch and tone for tomorrow.
This innovative spirit is the essence of Kawai—and the principal reason why we remain a generation ahead in providing exceptional performance that endures.
Kawai Studio Upright Piano, model K200, is available in our piano showroom in Natick, Massachusetts.
Kawai K300 Professional Upright Piano
The K300 48″ Kawai Professional Upright Piano builds upon the success of its award-winning predecessor, the K-3, that was named Acoustic Piano of the Year in four consecutive years.* The K300 proudly extends this distinguished legacy.
- Exclusive Millennium III Upright Action
with ABS-Carbon Composites - Popular 48″ Height for Home or Studio
- Double Felted Mahogany Core Hammers
- Height Adjustable Bench
- Also Available with Nickel Hardware
Kawai K400 Professional Upright Piano
The uniquely practical 48″ Kawai K400 Professional Piano features a grand-style music rack that places music at eye level and provides a solid surface for sheet music and oversized music books.
A New England Style,dual-hinged fallboard adds to its distinctive appeal.
- Exclusive Millennium III Upright Action
with ABS-Carbon Composites - Grand-Style Music Rack (37″L x 10″H)
- New England Style Dual-Hinged Fallboard
- Award-Winning Specifications of the K-300
- Height Adjustable Bench
Kawai K500 Professional Upright Piano
Masterfully crafted by the technicians at Kawai, the Kawai K500 Professional Piano is 51″ in height with a newly-designed scale.
The K-500 Professional Piano offers a rare combination of power, dynamic range, and tonal richness to meet the musical demands of any studio environment.
- Exclusive Millennium III Upright Action
with ABS-Carbon Composites - Duplex Scale (Upper)
The duplex scale enhances harmonics in
treble range, adding brilliance and richness
to the piano’s tone. - NEOTEX™ Key Surfaces
- Double Felted, Mahogany Core Hammers
- Height Adjustable Bench
Kawai K15 Upright Piano
The Kawai K15 upright piano is a 43″ continental design made to the highest quality of all Asian piano makers. The K15 has solid spruce soundboard, four back posts and features some of Kawai’s newest action components.
