Acoustic Piano
Piano reviews, articles, and tips for beginners and beyond
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History
The modern Acoustic Piano was invented in Northern Italy at the turn of the 18th century by Bartolomeo Cristofori. He had previously been an expert Harpsichord maker, before turning his hand to creating an instrument of his own design.
The Harpsichord can only be played at one volume, whereas the Piano is more versatile. This is where it gets its full name, the Pianoforte, literally meaning quiet loud.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Piano continued to be developed, with the introduction of features such as a metal frame and a larger number of keys.
The modern-day instrument was fully formed by 1859, which was the year the Steinway Concert Grand Piano first appeared.
The Piano has undoubtedly become one of the most popular musical instruments around the world.
Acoustic Piano Specs
There are three main types of Acoustic Piano:
- Grand Piano
- Baby Grand Piano
- Upright Piano
Most modern Acoustic Pianos have a total of 88 black and white keys; 52 white keys for the notes C, D, E, F, G, A & B, and 36 black keys for the notes F#, G#, A#, C# & D#.
The lowest note is A0 and the highest is C8.
How To Play
The Acoustic Piano is played with both hands, pressing the keys connected to hammers which strike the strings.
The player also operates a number of pedals at the base of the instrument, the most common being a sustain pedal, to allow the strings to continue vibrating after the hands have been taken off the keys, and a soft pedal, which means only two of each note’s three strings are struck when the keys are pressed.
A Concert Grand Piano has more than 12,000 parts! 10,000 of which are moving!
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