Dating back into history, the piano has been considered far more than a piece of furniture, more like a valuable family member.  Over the years, the piano has been related to social influence, creating music with beautiful and unrivaled expression.  In the United States, millions of people are the proud owners of pianos.  Taking pride in this magnificent instrument, they care for it, have it tuned, and in some cases, even the use an indoor water fountain as an ideal means of maintaining a perfect environment relative to humidity.

     The piano is a complex instrument, one with a fascinating history.  The mechanisms that make a piano work are delicate and the overall instrument carefully constructed.  At the close of the 18^th century, the beloved piano was known for being a reliable instrument, one that had inspired many great musicians to include Beethoven and Mozart.  However, within a few years, the touch and sound of the original piano took a huge turn.  At this time, pianos from England and Viennese were introduced, capturing the attention of musicians.  While Haydin and Brahms fell in love with the light, crisp sound produced by the Viennese piano, Beethoven felt the heavier and clearer sound of the English piano was better.  Even French pianos were created, which became the favorite of Chopin, finding the sound more suave.

     Although pianos made in the 19^th century had a louder sound with more expression than earlier designs, many people still preferred the more lyrical sound by earlier versions.  Today, you can find pianos that have a perfect blend of the two sounds, one reason this instrument has become so popular.  Homes across the globe are proud owners of the piano, with owners going to great lengths to keep them in excellent working condition.

     Homes with pianos have something very special.  A formal living room with a Baby Grand displaying pictures, flowers, or expensive figurines is without doubt, the epitome of style and class.  Even homes with older style upright pianos are unique.  Regardless of the type of piano, the immediate response when someone walks in the door is, “Oh, you have a piano”.  The sound and the look are simply beautiful, which is why so many people admire this particular instrument.  For many, the piano is in itself a fine piece of furniture, one that complements the room.

     Pianos are made in various styles but regardless of the type of piano that you might have or be interested in owning, proper care and maintenance is key to its sound.  For this reason, be sure you use only wax or polish recommended by the manufacturer, have the piano tuned at least once a year, place it away from an exterior wall, which could cause problems due to the weather, and again, keep the humidity at the right level to ensure wood will not warp or crack.  With an indoor waterfall fountain, you can accomplish this while also adding décor to the room.

Vertical Pianos

·         Console – This piano is a little larger than the Spinet, ranging in height from 40 to 43 inches, and about 58 inches wide.  You will discover the console piano in a number of styles, as well as finishes.  Because of the direct action of the mechanisms, this piano produces beautiful, enhanced tones.

·         Spinet – The Spinet is between 36 to 38 inches in height and about 58 inches in width.  Of all piano options, the Spinet is the smallest but a popular choice.  For instance, people living in apartments, small homes, or any small space could still enjoy a piano but without it taking up excessive space.  Unfortunately, this piano has what is known as lost action, which produces less accuracy and power simply because of the small size and the way in which it is built.

·         Upright – This is the tallest vertical piano, ranging in height from 50 to 60 inches and a width of 58 inches.  Although an older style, the upright has been around for a long time and continues to be a good choice.

·         Studio – Typically, a studio piano is used in music studios and schools for students to learn.  The height of this piano is between 45 and 48 inches and the width is 58 inches.  The soundboard is large with long strings, giving the piano a nice tone.

Horizontal Pianos (aka Grand)

·         Petite – Of all horizontal pianos, the petite grand is the smallest, measuring four feet, five inches to four feet, ten inches.  Even with the small size, this piano has a strong sound.

·         Baby – The Baby Grand is a favorite of music lovers, measuring from four feet, eleven inches to five feet, six inches.  The appearance, affordability, and high quality of sound are just a few of the benefits of buying a Baby Grand.

·         Medium – With this piano, you have something slightly larger than a Baby Grand, measuring at five feet, seven inches.

·         Parlor – The size of this piano is from five foot, nine inches to six feet, one inch.  With the Parlor Grand, you have a wonderful size and beautiful aesthetics.

·         Semi-concert or Ballroom – This magnificent piano is about seven feet long, producing powerful and fluid sound.

·         Concert – Measuring a full nine feet, of all horizontal pianos, this is the largest, most expensive, and certainly, the most impressive.

     Regardless of what style of piano you own, it will only perform as well as you care for it.  Take good care of it and it will bring joy for years and years to come. 

     About the Author: Garth Epp is music lover and closet musician that has also been captured by the beauty and serenity that comes from an indoor fountain.  It is out of this love that Premium Indoor Fountains.com was born, helping people realize you they can transform their life indoors with the power of water through a tabletop or wall mounted fountain. 

Copyright 2008 by Shinn Trading Inc.