{"id":7119,"date":"2022-03-29T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-29T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=7119"},"modified":"2024-03-26T11:15:54","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T18:15:54","slug":"history-of-the-piano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/history-of-the-piano\/","title":{"rendered":"A Complete History of the Piano"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>March 29, 2022 is Piano Day! Started by experimental pianist <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianoday.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nils Frahm<\/a>, Piano Day happens on the 88th day of the year to honor the piano&#8217;s 88 keys. This year, we\u2019ll take this opportunity to explore the history of the piano. From the medieval dulcimer to the Fender Rhodes, the piano has come a long way. And it didn&#8217;t always have 88 keys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#hammered-dulcimer\">Hammered Dulcimer<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#clavichord\">Clavichord<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#harpsichord\">Harpsichord<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#fortepiano\">Fortepiano<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#modern-piano\">Modern Piano<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#digital-pianos\">Digital Pianos<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#synthesizers\">Synthesizers<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#hybrid-pianos\">Hybrid Pianos<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#iconic-and-unique-pianos\">Iconic and Unique Pianos<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Get exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><small><i>By signing up you\u2019ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don\u2019t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.<\/i><\/small><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hammered-dulcimer\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Hammered Dulcimer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"562\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-1024x562.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a hammered dulcimer. History of the piano.\" class=\"wp-image-16823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-1024x562.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-768x422.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-1536x844.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100430\/hammered-dulcimer-illustration-1-2048x1125.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Present since antiquity, the dulcimer is one of the earliest ancestors of the piano. It\u2019s a box-shaped instrument with strings that are played with hammers. Which is the same mechanism as a piano, only lower-tech.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the dulcimer&#8217;s notes are arranged very differently from a piano&#8217;s. While pianos have all twelve tones of an octave in a row, dulcimers have sections of strings that correspond to <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/9Uur6fj7mj8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">different keys<\/a>. But, unlike on clavichords and harpsichords, dulcimer players can play nuanced dynamics using hammering techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"clavichord\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Clavichord<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"641\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-1024x641.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a clavichord.\" class=\"wp-image-16824\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-1024x641.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-300x188.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-768x481.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-1536x962.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26100653\/clavichord-illustration-2048x1282.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The clavichord is a small, boxy keyboard instrument. It\u2019s rather quiet and doesn\u2019t have a lot of keys. Yet it provided entertainment to households from the 1400s all the way to the 1800s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One disadvantage of fretted clavichords is that sometimes, several keys share the same string, so you can\u2019t play certain notes together. But the advantage of this is that there are fewer strings to tune.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike harpsichords and virginals, clavichord strings are struck by a brass tangent, not plucked. So, like a piano, they can play some dynamics. The clavichord can also emit a mild vibrato effect called <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/7oCGNwDokT0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>bebung<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>SPINETS AND VIRGINALS:<\/b> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.robinsonspinets.co.uk\/information_introduction.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spinets and virginals<\/a> can be thought of as harpsichords on a smaller scale. Spinets have strings that run diagonal to the keyboard, while virginals have strings that run parallel. Both usually have just one string per note.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"harpsichord\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Harpsichord<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"746\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-1024x746.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a harpsichord.\" class=\"wp-image-16825\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-1024x746.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-300x219.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-768x560.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-1536x1120.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26101639\/harpsichord-illustration-2048x1493.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Harpsichords are more familiar to many of us because they look very similar to pianos. Many have a grand piano shape, and you\u2019ve probably heard this instrument in recordings of Bach and Vivaldi if you enjoy Baroque music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The biggest difference between the harpsichord and the piano is that the strings of the harpsichord are plucked, not hammered. Each hammer has a plectrum attached, which is like a guitar pick. Some harpsichords have two keyboards; one keyboard will have a slightly fuller sound and the other will be softer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Different nations designed their harpsichords in different ways. For example, Italian harpsichords are more percussive and German harpsichords have a more lyrical sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harpsichords were the instrument of choice for playing <em>continuo <\/em>(accompaniment) in Baroque chamber music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"fortepiano\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Fortepiano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/b44d4750-fb1b-45f4-b31f-9693145eb3ee\" alt=\"Illustration of a fortepiano.\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.metmuseum.org\/toah\/hd\/cris\/hd_cris.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fortepiano<\/a> is the direct ancestor of the modern piano. Invented by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/who-invented-the-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bartolomeo Cristofori<\/a> circa 1700, it was revolutionary in its ability to play loud and soft tones based on the pianist\u2019s touch. \u201cFortepiano\u201d literally translates to \u201cloud-soft.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of pedals, fortepianos typically have levers under the keyboard that the player manipulates with their knee. The levers work like the <em>una corda <\/em>and sustain pedals; there was also a lever that adds a more percussive, buzzy sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Cristofori\u2019s most important innovations was <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/insync\/escapement\/#:~:text=A%20mechanism%20in%20a%20piano,after%20the%20key%20is%20pressed.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">escapement<\/a><\/em>. Escapement allows a hammer to return to its place of rest after it strikes a string. Fortepianos are quieter than modern ones, but they were powerful enough to perform <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/0mXCQZOYMcU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">piano concertos<\/a> when they were popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Composers in the classical era, such as Mozart and Beethoven, would have used a piano like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"modern-piano\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Modern Piano<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"763\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-1024x763.png\" alt=\"Modern grand piano illustration.\" class=\"wp-image-16827\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-1024x763.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-300x224.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-768x572.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-1536x1145.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103132\/modern-piano-illustration-2048x1526.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While Mozart\u2019s fortepiano had 58 keys, the modern piano has 88. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squarepianos.com\/fortepiano.html#:~:text=Fortepiano%20and%20Pianoforte%20were%20interchangeable,and%20in%20the%20resulting%20tone\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Compared to fortepianos<\/a>, modern pianos have more string tension, so they tend to use cast-iron frames. Modern pianos also use felt-tipped hammers instead of leather-tipped ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grand pianos are often seen as superior because hammers fall back from strings due to gravity. Meanwhile, in upright pianos, a spring mechanism is required to move the hammer back to its place of rest. This difference allows pianists to play faster trills and repeated notes on a grand piano.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But grand pianos aren\u2019t <em>always <\/em>superior. Some baby grand pianos have smaller soundboards than large uprights. So, sometimes, high-quality uprights have better sound quality than some grands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:24px;\"><p>Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn\u2019t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener.<\/p><cite>Niels Frahm<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/upload.wikimedia.org\/wikipedia\/commons\/thumb\/c\/ce\/Nils_Frahm_%28Traumzeit_Festival_2014%29_IMGP4651_smial_wp.jpg\/2560px-Nils_Frahm_%28Traumzeit_Festival_2014%29_IMGP4651_smial_wp.jpg\" alt=\"Young man with slight beard smiling while playing piano on stage.\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Niels Frahm (Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=33731949\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Smial &#8211; Own work, FAL<\/a>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"digital-pianos\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Digital Pianos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-1024x630.png\" alt=\"Illustration of an upright digital piano.\" class=\"wp-image-16830\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-1024x630.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-300x185.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-768x472.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-1536x945.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105155\/digital-piano-illustration-2048x1260.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Not too long ago, learning on a digital piano was frowned upon. But digital piano technology has improved significantly within the last 20 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, you can find digital pianos that behave very similarly to acoustic ones. And they&#8217;re often at a fraction of the price and come with tech benefits like headphone jacks, MIDI compatibility, and multiple sound effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sound of digital pianos comes from either <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alamomusic.com\/whats-new\/modeling-vs-sampling-which-makes-better-digital-piano-sounds\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sampling or modeling<\/a>. <strong>Sampling <\/strong>is when technicians record the sound of acoustic pianos at different volumes and touch velocity layers. This enables touch-sensitive keys to play with nuance. Meanwhile, <strong>modeling<\/strong> is when sounds are built from scratch. Most digital pianos use a combination of sampling and modeling, but some higher-end levels only use modeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>HOW TO BUY A DIGITAL PIANO:<\/b> For starters, look for <b>weighted, touch-sensitive keys<\/b> and try your best to get a full-sized 88-key keyboard. Learn more about purchasing a digital piano with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-to-buy-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">buying guide<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/best-beginner-keyboard\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">product reviews<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"synthesizers\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Synthesizers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"395\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-1024x395.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a synthesizer.\" class=\"wp-image-16829\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-1024x395.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-300x116.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-768x297.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-1536x593.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103637\/Illustration-of-a-synthesizer-2048x791.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Synthesizers look like high tech digital pianos, but they can be regarded as totally different instruments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Synthesis is the creation of sound through manipulating its fundamental aspects, such as amplitude, frequency, and wavelength. Synthesis technology has made it possible to create nearly any sound imaginable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While synthesizer precursors like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.atlasobscura.com\/articles\/the-telharmonium-was-the-spotify-of-1906\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teleharmonium<\/a> existed at the turn of the 20th century, the first true synthesizer is likely the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/sLx_x5Fuzp4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Minimoog<\/a>. Developed by Robert Moog in the 1970s, this instrument became iconic. You can hear it in the work of mainstream artists like Rush, Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Bob Marley, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hybrid-pianos\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Hybrid Pianos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"895\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-1024x895.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a hybrid digital grand piano.\" class=\"wp-image-16828\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-1024x895.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-300x262.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-768x672.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-1536x1343.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26103422\/digital-grand-piano-illustration-2048x1791.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid pianos are the best of the acoustic and digital worlds. They have an acoustic action mechanism but generate sound digitally. So, hybrid pianos often combine the touch authenticity of an acoustic piano and the modern conveniences of a digital instrument (headphone jack, multiple effects, recording ability, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hybrid pianos usually aren\u2019t small, but they don\u2019t take up as much space as a concert grand either, so they are perfect for advanced, demanding musicians who live in small spaces. These pianos are incredible feats of engineering, but they tend to be very expensive and there aren\u2019t that many models on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>MORE ABOUT PIANOS!<\/b> Enjoying this article? Here&#8217;s what to read next:\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/how-pianos-work\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How Pianos Work<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/who-invented-the-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Who Invented the Piano?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/keyboard-vs-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Keyboard vs. Piano<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/upright-vs-grand-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Upright vs Grand Piano: Differences Explained<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"iconic-and-unique-pianos\" style=\"font-size:32px\"><strong>Iconic and Unique Pianos<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"629\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-1024x629.png\" alt=\"Illustration of a Fender Rhodes piano.\" class=\"wp-image-16831\" srcset=\"https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-1024x629.png 1024w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-300x184.png 300w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-768x472.png 768w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-1536x944.png 1536w, https:\/\/pianote-blog.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/26105359\/rhodes-piano-illustration-2048x1259.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the days of Cristofori, numerous innovators have tried to make newer and better pianos. Here are some unique highlights:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fender Rhodes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/VmhgIVpxm_I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fender Rhodes<\/a> is a pop music icon. Its sound can be found on the recordings of world-class artists like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and the Doors. Originally designed for World War I veterans by Harold Rhodes, this early electric piano uses pick-ups like an electric guitar to generate its unique sound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"catching a vibe with my 1973 Fender Rhodes Mark I\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-pnBR0Ec7yc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Klavins 450<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A tall, vertical instrument that looks more like a loft than a piano, the <a href=\"https:\/\/klavins-pianos.com\/products\/model-450i\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Klavins Model 450<\/a> was created for the first Piano Day in 2015. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nilsfrahm.com\/about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Nils Frahm<\/a> then improvised eight motifs on the 450 that would later form the basis of his album <em>Solo.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"KLAVINS M450i - The Vertical Concert Grand\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YJg_Xveh30E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Wurlitzer Pianos (The &#8220;Wurli&#8221;) <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The other big name in 20th-century electric pianos was <a href=\"https:\/\/abbeyroadinstitute.com\/miami\/blog\/classic-keys-the-wurlitzer-electronic-piano\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Wurlitzer<\/a>. The Wurlitzer company had previous experience building acoustic pianos, so its action was a little more sophisticated than the Rhodes\u2019. Artists associated with the Wurli sound include Supertramp, Ray Charles, and Marvin Gaye. Whereas the Rhodes piano uses tines to produce sound, the Wurlitzer uses reeds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Wurlitzer trio - &quot;Live&quot; at Chicago Electric Piano\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6eQo_r4tcRI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>B\u00f6sendorfer Imperial<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>B\u00f6sendorfer is a pre-eminent piano brand, and its very expensive Imperial is a unique instrument on its own. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boesendorfer.com\/en\/pianos\/pianos\/Concert-Grand-290-Imperial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">290 model<\/a> features 97 keys instead of the standard 88 along with a uniquely resonant bass sound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Bosendorfer Imperial (Why the extra notes, and what do they sound like). 290\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bIOQ2Fwto8k?start=108&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Klavins Una Corda<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Created by the same people as the 450, the Una Corda has just one string per note. This creates a uniquely soft, dreamy sound. The piano also has no cabinet, allowing players and audiences to see what goes on inside the instrument\u2019s body.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Creating Una Corda - Nils Frahm and David Klavins | Native Instruments\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gfHK7_lSY-0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Fazioli Pianos<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianobuyer.com\/brand\/fazioli\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fazioli company<\/a> is a relatively new one, having come about in the 1970s. It has since become one of the world\u2019s top piano brands alongside Steinway and Yamaha, which is an incredible feat considering how established and historical those brands are. Fazioli is famous for its uniquely designed pianos custom built for architectural spaces. The Pianote team was lucky to try a few during our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/expensive-pianos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Showcase Pianos visit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"UNBELIEVABLE Pianos You Never Knew Existed\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JA7nBhyJcRY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"\ud83c\udfb9-happy-piano-day\" style=\"font-size:32px\">\ud83c\udfb9 <strong>Happy Piano Day!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We hope you had fun nerding out on the history of pianos this Piano Day. To learn more about this awesome instrument, check out performances of the piano&#8217;s ancestors to get the full experience of each instrument. Here are some things to explore:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/OrchestraoftheAgeofEnlightenment\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Orchestra in the Age of Enlightenment<\/a> performs classical music with era-appropriate instruments. They also make videos that explain uncommon instruments from bygone eras.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/iz1SAa1JEaA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Metropolitan Museum<\/a> produces videos about their oldest and most fascinating instruments, including fortepianos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/bach\/featured\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Netherlands Bach Society<\/a> posts high-quality performances of Bach classics using authentic instruments for free on YouTube.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Happy listening, learning, and practicing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weekly-email\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the history of the piano. From the medieval dulcimer to modern icons like the Rhodes Piano, the piano has come a long way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":7287,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1108],"tags":[1069],"class_list":["post-7119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-musicianship","tag-gsotp"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7119"}],"version-history":[{"count":48,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7119\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16838,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7119\/revisions\/16838"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7287"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}