Grand piano is one of the most famous and sought-after musical instruments. High demand is due to the harmony, the power of sound, as well as a wide variety of expressive sounds.
The instrument allows the artist to convey the subtlest moments and emotionality of the musical composition.
Features and characteristics
The tool has a horizontal body and a characteristic wing-like shape. Accordingly, the strings are arranged horizontally, and the percussion hammers are mounted on top. All this ensures high purity and sound quality.
What is the difference between a grand piano and a piano
Initially, it must be emphasized that all types of grand pianos and pianos can be defined by one term – pianoforte. That is, the devices have an identical mechanism for obtaining sound. These are stringed instruments that make a sound when hammers are struck.
Brief history
The first wing-shaped piano model was created by Italian harpsichord maker B. Cristofori in 1709. Thanks to a fundamentally new design, it was possible to obtain a qualitatively new sound of the strings. The first instrument was called the harpsichord with a loud and quiet sound.
With the advent of the first device, a long period of refinement and modernization of the instrument began. The body familiar to everyone and the beauty of the sound was achieved at the beginning of the 19th century, when they began to use the cross arrangement of strings in the piano and installed a solid cast-iron frame. Factory production of the instrument began in the middle of the 19th century in Germany. Since that moment, the keyboard piano has been rightfully considered the king among musical instruments.
At the moment, there is a huge variety of models, there is even an electronic piano, which allows you to perform the most complex and virtuoso compositions.
Basic classification of grand pianos
The main difference between all instruments in this category is the length, which determines the purpose of the device and the sound quality.
The following categories are distinguished:
- Concert – a large version with a length of more than 2.7 meters. The instrument has the highest range in terms of timbre and purity of sound. Used for performances in medium and large halls, for symphony orchestra, ensembles and studios.
- Small concert – the size can be from 2.25 to 2.5 meters. It has a wide range and expressiveness of sound. Suitable for medium-sized halls, studio recording and small ensembles.
- Universal or salon – size 2-2.2 meters. The sample has a wide range in timbre. Can be used for teaching, in small venues or for amateur performance.
- Cabinet – has a length of 1.8-1.95 meters. The timbre has a medium range and high sound quality. Used for learning to play. Recently, the digital cabinet grand piano has been especially appreciated, allowing you to perform compositions with high sound quality.
- Small cabinet – the size varies between 1.6-1.75 meters. Also used for teaching and home music.
- Minion – small devices measuring 1.4 – 1.55 meters. They have a small tone range. Digital grand pianos in small sizes are in particular demand.
In addition to size, there is also a classification according to the weight of the tool:
- Concert – up to 1000 kilograms.
- Home – up to 350 kilograms.
- Desk – 200-350 kilograms.
- Digital piano up to 150 kg.
The sound quality is affected by the size of the body, the weight and length of the strings. Accordingly, the larger the device, the more expressive and deeper the instrument can sound.
Main structural elements
All acoustic grand pianos have an almost identical design, which is represented by the following details:
- Futhor is the main supporting part of the instrument, which, together with the cast-iron frame, bears the main load from the strings. The main components and parts of the body are attached to the wooden futor.
- Wirbelbank or Pegboard is a multi-layer board created from maple or beech. It contains steel vibrators that stretch the strings and tune them to the desired frequency.
- Deca – the main resonator that produces the sound. This is a shield from several spruce boards. In expensive models, wood is used over a hundred years old. This provides the best resonator effect. The soundboard acts as an amplifier for the melody of the strings.
- Steg – a wooden element in the form of a bridge that transmits vibrations from the strings to the deck. There is a treble and bass stem.
- Cast-iron frame – is a cast lattice structure that holds the tension force of the strings. In some models, the total tension force reaches 20 tons.
- Capadastre – a rib on the frame that acts as a length cutter.
- Strings – the middle and treble registers are equipped with smooth steel wire strings. The bass register is equipped with strings having a steel base, which is wrapped with copper wire.
Leading grand piano manufacturers
At the moment, there are many famous companies in the world that create unique acoustic and electronic instruments. The price category of models is the most diverse. Black and white digital grand pianos are especially popular for large concert performances.
The best grand piano manufacturers
- Ritmuller is one of the leading German manufacturers of pianos and grand pianos. The production of the first models began in 1795. Currently, the company is successfully implementing budget options.
- Kurzweil is an American manufacturer of electronic and acoustic musical instruments. The main orientation is the manufacture of digital pianos and grand pianos. The products are of high quality and are in demand by customers.
- Fazioli is a well-known Italian brand that has been on the market since 1881. About 120 high quality samples are produced per year.
- August Frster is a well-known private organization that manufactures top quality grand pianos. About 60 instruments are produced per year.
