Acoustic upright pianos are so named because they are of greater dimension vertically than horizontally, with the strings stretched vertically over the soundboard. Acoustic upright pianos get their popularity from their efficient use of floor space. They provide a quality sound and fit for home or school use. They are also available in prices more suitable for the common household.
Acoustic upright pianos are typically described and categorized by height, as sound quality is generally better the larger the area over which the strings can be run. The tallest of acoustic upright pianos, those greater than 49? tall, are often called full-size upright pianos. The next size down is called the studio upright piano. The second smallest size is the console piano. Those under 37? are typically known as spinets.
It is important to note that there are many different processes that can be used to manufacture acoustic upright pianos. But most of these fall under the categories of either hand-crafted or factory-manufactured. Among the best known brands of factory-manufactured acoustic upright pianos are Kawai, Yamaha, Kohler and Campbell, Story and Clark, and Hazelton. Among the best known brands of hand-crafted acoustic upright pianos are Schimmel, Mason and Hamlin, Baldwin, and Steinway. Regardless of manufacturing process, most of the pianos made under these brands are high-quality pianos.
Among the more affordable acoustic upright pianos are those made by Kawai. These pianos are not just financially affordable, but also exact a lesser price on the environment through environmentally-friendly manufacturing processes and materials. Kawai has been hailed for its efforts to implement waste reduction policies, energy conservation protocols, and reforestation techniques.
Being affordable doesn't mean that the Kawai piano is of lesser quality. The people at Kawai are so confident in their total quality control manufacturing program that they offer a 12-year factory warranty with their acoustic upright pianos. Kawai also has what many people have called the best mechanical technology in their pianos, with specially formulated ABS carbon mechanical parts that are light and durable giving quicker responses to the pianist. The keys themselves feature a specialized cellulose coating that is environmentally friendly, more durable than traditional keys, and provides extra grip.
Yamaha also offers an excellent series of acoustic upright pianos in varying price ranges to meet most home-consumer budgets. These pianos have a long history of good sound and long-term durability. Recently Yamaha has used technology to improve the sounds produced by these pianos. For example, several models now have a floating support system which allows the soundboard to vibrate freely.
For those interested in getting a good deal on a quality piano or those who cherish the quality handwork of the older piano models, there are basically three eras of acoustic upright piano production. The antique acoustic upright piano is one that is built between 1700 and the 1830s. Victorian acoustic upright pianos are those built between the 1840s and 1890s. Any acoustic upright piano built since 1900 is a modern era upright piano. For quality handwork, pianos from the first two eras often have beautiful external features. For a quality sound at a good price, it is usually best to buy a used, brand-name piano from the modern era and have it restored.