What is a vertical piano, and how many different sizes of pianos are there?
A vertical piano has the soundboard and strings of the instrument ‘vertical’ to the floor. A grand piano has the soundboard and strings positioned horizontally. The vertical piano sizes range from a Spinet or ‘drop-action’ piano ( cabinet size vertically measures 33″ to 39″), a Console piano ( vertically 39″ to 47″), a Studio piano (vertically 48″ to 51″), an Upright piano (vertically 51″ and up). The grand piano starts with the Baby grand (up to 5’8″ horizontally measured), the Parlour/Living room/Professional grand piano (horizontally measured 5’8″ to 7’4″), and the inimitable Concert grand piano (measured horizontally 7’4″ and longer). Note: Although you may be told that some vertical pianos are upright or inverted grands, don’t be misled. The grand piano has mechanisms that are unduplicatable in a vertical piano.
