Some Interesting Piano Facts

The piano is technically a percussion instrument as the hammers hit the strings.

Piano keys may look even. · But the joins do not go in the middle of a black note!

Fact 1

gravecembalo col piano et forte

The first piano was made by Bartolomeo Christofori in 1700. Called the "gravecembalo col piano et forte" or grand harpsichord which could play piano(soft) or forte.(loud).

Fact 2

A Model D Steinway Concert Grand will cost you over £100,000

Fact 3

The last English Piano Manufacturer called Kemble of Milton Keynes, was due to close at the end of October, 2010. The firm is owned by Yamaha.

Fact 4

There are 88 notes on a modern piano: 52 white, 36 black (7.1/4 octaves) Bosendorfer Imperial Grands have 97!

Fact 5

There are about 220 strings on the average piano with a total tension of around 21 tons.

Fact 6

The largest manufacturer of pianos in the world is Pearl River with over 4,000 employees and producing over 100,000 pianos a year. - (Website)

Fact 7

The first upright piano with a practical action was made by Hawkins (USA) in 1800.

Fact 8

Challen made a two manual piano. Each keyboard played the same notes. They were also often provided with a 30 note pedalboard.

Fact 9

The piano is technically a percussion instrument as the hammers hit the strings.

Fact 10

Piano keys may look even. But the joins do not go in the middle of a black note!

Piano Keys

Peter Tryon

Peter Tryon FMCM., FASC., ARCM., ALCM., AVCM., Cert Ed.

40+ years experience. Regular visits across the county plus parts of Norfolk, Essex, Warwickshire and Scotland (Dumfries area). Tuner for the National Trust, Cambridge University, Forestry Commission outdoor concerts, Suffolk County Council schools, many private schools, piano teachers, etc.

Fully enhanced CRB check and fully insured with £5,000,000 public liability.

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