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A room with a piano and baby grand piano.

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos


Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

The major classifications of pianos is pretty simple. There are two types:  Grand pianos (which sit on three legs, horizontally) and Upright pianos (which are built vertically and usually sit against a wall.

The confusion usually starts when people talk about baby grands.   Are they talking about grand pianos? Or is a baby grand a totally different instrument?  If so, why are they different? 

Is It Just A Matter Of Size?

I think the old cliché that a picture is worth a thousand words is true here as well:

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

The answer is yes and no. You can see above that size is a major difference, but it is not the only difference. A baby grand (on the right) is usually 5’ to 5’7” long – from the keyboard to the tail. Baby grand is just one of the names people use when talking about grand pianos. There is also the petite baby grand or petite grand which is from 4’7” up to 5”. Both are very popular.

Hailun Baby Grand Piano
Hailun Baby Grand Piano

But there are other categories of Grand Pianos, and their lengths roughly determine their names. Keep in mind that most of these so called categories bear names that are not carved in stone with the exception of the concert grand category. Let’s go back to the photo of the 2 pianos we started with, the one on the left is a 9’2” concert grand.

  • Concert grands run from 8’11” and above
  • Semi-Concert Grands are generally 7’4” to 8’10”
  • Parlor Grands are generally 6’8’
  • Drawing Room Grands are generally 6’4”
  • Professional Grands are generally 6’
  • Living Room Grands are generally 5’10”
  • Medium Grands are generally 5’7” to 5’9”
  • Baby Grands are generally 4’10’ to 5’6”
  • Petite Grands are less than 4’10”

You might note that the width of these grand pianos is basically the same for all categories no matter their length. Five feet give or take is the normal width and 88-keys is a standard keyboard. Some piano builders make minor changes to the width and number of keys, but not many.
But length is not the only difference. Each category of grand piano is somewhat different from the others in performance capacity.

Why Is The Performance Capacity Different?

The soundboard and strings of a grand piano are positioned inside the piano case. As a key is depressed, a hammer strikes the string from below producing sound that resonates off the soundboard. The size of the soundboard, the crown, and the materials it’s made of plus the length of the strings, their quality and how the piano is strung, can influence the tonal quality of the piano. Generally though, the larger the soundboard and longer the strings the greater the volume and tonal quality and variety.
As you can see by the names of the classifications, pianos are designed for different purposes. The job of a concert grand is to cut through the orchestra (unless it’s a piano solo) to reach the balcony and back rows of huge concert halls. That much sound in an average sized living room would be downright painful. So one normally only sees concert grands in churches, concert halls and grand rooms in grand homes. A semi concert grand would serve smaller venues well etc. down the line. It really comes down to just stopping to take a few minutes to think about how the piano will be used and how much room have you allocated for a piano.

Baby Grands Vs Grand Pianos

And if all of this isn’t confusing enough, there are even greater differences between grand pianos and vertical or upright pianos. But that’s another article on it’s own!!

Sauter Rondo Upright Piano
Sauter Rondo Upright Piano

In closing, when it comes to pianos, there is much to know. A handmade piano can be almost as unique as a human being. No two high-end pianos will sound alike or feel alike. Each will have its own personality or tonal colors. The differences tend to blur in less expensive, mass produced pianos where most manufacturers aim for consistency rather than individual colorations. Visit our blog where you’ll find a wealth of piano articles and information.

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples specializes in luxury pianos.The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned European brands as well as its own acrylic instrument – The Aire™ baby grand. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A red x in front of an image of a machine.

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality


Acrylic pianos today are made by a variety of manufacturers, including Euro Pianos Naples who offer the beautiful “Aire” model which can be color customized in a variety of ways.

While acrylic pianos (also called transparent pianos, crystal pianos, lucid pianos, or clear pianos) are a fairlyrecent phenomenon, I was surprised to learn the U.S. patent for a transparent piano lid dates back to 1976. It was granted to the Libby-Owens-Ford Company, a glassmaker in Ohio. This lid, made of safety glass merged with a layer of special plastic, with a hinge, was invented for use by the Boston Pops Orchestra and the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, to lend better viewing to the audience at concerts. In other words the grand piano lid does not block the view of the orchestra.

Concert performers and entertainers today sometimes opt for acrylic grands for the same reason, to give an unfettered view of the piano workings to their audiences, and/or to provide the beautiful and dramatic theatrics which such an instrument creates. A perfect example is Bruno Mars playing the Bluthner Lucid Elegance grand on this video:

“Versace On The Floor”

But acrylic pianos have come into their own and are being purchased for homes, music rooms and entertainment venues. They fall into two general types: The best and the most expensive are transparent pianos, such as those made by Schimmel and Bluthner that run to six figures and carry the quality of the historic German piano builders under their lids. These models are decorator luxury instruments, highly customized and iconic. Schimmel’s transparent piano began to be produced in 1951 and was further perfected 30 years later by his son. Bluthner took over Lucid Pianos of Spain and streamlined the production of acrylic pianosto a new standard. Bluthner, established in 1853, is a premier performance piano builder.

The Lucid Pianos are based on models 166, 175, 186, 210 and 235 sharing the same highest performance materials and construction for the soundboard, plate pin block and action. Bluthner Plexiglas is purchased from the German company Evonik. Most modern day acrylic, like Evonik’s, will remain crystal clear with no distortions for the lifetime of the piano, regardless of the thickness or shape provided its cared for appropriately. Colorless acrylic is as transparent as the finest optical glass, its total light transmission is 92%. Lucid Idyllic Excellence is the only fully transparent piano. This piano features a patented technology – thesoundboard sits on a special metal inserts. (visible on this picture below)

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

Because top of the line luxury pianos are not affordable by all, a second choice has evolved, a piano with  an acrylic lid,with decorative acrylic lyre, music stand and legs completing the design. High-quality interiors are still contained in the cases, but are better priced in the $50K range and don’t have all the innovative bells and whistles of the more famous brands. Euro Pianos’ Aire is such a model.

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

 The Aire™ piano is built in Miami FL and uses American-made high-standard acrylic (second only to original German Evonik acrylic) which will not yellow with age or sunlight like other substitute plastics some use in place of real acrylic.

Aire™ piano is available in Black, White and the newly released Red finish with hardware options of brass or chrome.  Invisible self playing systems, are a high-tech add on providing live performance quality with today’s wirless technology.

What Is Acrylic Anyway? Can We Talk About Quality?

Acrylic is a clear (unless it’s dyed) very high-grade form of plastic made primarily from petroleum. Plexiglas (Acrylite)  is one of the big brand name manufacturers, as is Lucite (Perspex). High grade acrylic is a form of plastic that may be easily confused with non-acrylic plastics which yellow or discolor quickly and age poorly. But like anything else, there are superior and inferior acrylics, in terms of their ease of use and manufacturing process. 

The best acrylic for transparency and longevity is German made acrylic followed closely by US made acrylic. 

There are two basic versions of acrylics: cast and extruded. These are different products but both are considered acrylic with different uses.

Cast acrylic is usually regarded as a better quality than the extruded and is more resistant to some solvents.  Extruded acrylic can behave differently depending on how it’s bent whereas it makes no difference in cast acrylic.  Cast acrylic is more scratch resistant, but is harder to flame polish (the finishing process to remove saw marks, prep marks, etc.) 

The most important point is that genuine acrylic plastic will always be more expensive than non-acrylic plastics. Non-acrylic plastics carry names such as Styrene, PETG, and Polycarbonate. These are NOT genuine acrylic and as such are not suitable for durability of clarity and resistance to scratching, etc. So, buyer beware. Check that the plastic used to manufacture the piano is a true acrylic before settling for a bargain price product.

The Knock-Off Trade In Transparent Pianos

Acrylic Pianos – Let’s Talk About Quality

The Amazon of China showcases a variety of  discount priced “clear”,  “crystal” and “acrylic” pianos. Some listings attempt to mislead purchasers by posting images of genuine top-notch acrylic pianos. If the price sounds too good to be true, ask yourself …

  • Will the hardware pit and tarnish?
  • What plastic are the clear parts made of?
  • Will it yellow and grow cloudy or will it remain crystal clear and beautiful?
  • How do I enforce the warranty?
  • Are there bubbles in the acrylic?
  • Are the visible screws and glue beautiful?
  • Are the piano legs and lid engineered for safety?
  • And how about the value of the piano as a musical instrument? 
  • Is the piano built by a legitimately ranked and respected piano manufacturer?    

Final Thoughts On Quality Acrylic Pianos

If you want the best – Bluthner Lucid line of pianos (100% made in Germany using only Evonik acrylic) offers exciting, fully transparent, semi-transparent and colored acrylic pianos which can be customized with LED lighting and self playing systems in all manner of color palettes and decorative hardware.

For the price minded consumer, Aire is an elegant acrylic piano built in Miami using 100% USA acrylic and real performance quality mechanics by the world’s largest piano manufacturers. Oftentimes these pianos can be delivered in less than 8 weeks.

Euro Pianos Naples recommends either one of these options. We are available to answer questions and consult with you on acrylic and transparent pianos, free of charge. Just give us a call, and we will be happy to accommodate you.

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, Schimmel, Fazioli, as well as its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A pink couch and chair in front of a window.

History of Mid Century Modern Design


What Is Mid Century Modern?

There have always been creative people ahead of their time. The roots of modern design can be traced all the way back to primitive cave art. But for the purpose of categorizing eras of design and style, Mid Century Modern as a design category for architecture, furniture, textiles and objects of business and home could be said to span the 1930’s to mid-1960’s. That means that some designers, some artists, some architects had already begun to shape what would become a world-shaking new style in the mid twentieth century before it actually exploded.

The Bauhaus Movement

To be more accurate, however, we must look back to the founding in 1919 of the Bauhaus, a German art school in Weimar, by architect Walter Gropius. The motivations behind the creation of the Bauhaus lay in anxieties about the 19thCentury’s soullessness of manufacturing and its products, and in fears about art’s loss of purpose in society. Creativity was being lost to commerce, and the Bauhaus aimed to unite them, rejuvenating design in all aspects of everyday life. Such famous artists as Paul Klee, Vasily Kandisky, and Josef Albers and others taught the study of materials, color theory and formal relationships in preparation for students’ specialized studies.

In 1925, the Bauhaus moved to the German industrial town of Dessau, created a department of architecture and launched the most influential period of their work. Gropius designed a new Bauhaus building, which is still known as a landmark of modern, functionalist architecture.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

A Swiss architect, Hannes Meyer, head of the architecture department was an active communist, and installed Marxism into the curriculum. Gropius resigned in 1928 amid battles and criticism. Meyer was replaced by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who enhanced the architecture curriculum.  Whenthe Nazis came to power in 1930’s, the school was closed.

But during the time that Bauhaus flourished, minimalist design in furniture and textiles defied any previous concepts. In collaboration, metalworkers, artists, architects and designers used cellophane, fiberglass and (acrylic or Plexiglas) plastic, space and physics to transform design.

Many of the key figures of the Bauhaus migrated during the dangerous years of World War II. Several Bauhaus artists were arrested and killed by the Nazis; others fled to exile in America.

The Bauhaus artists found perhaps their greatest success in America, disseminating their ideas and designs. Josef and Anni Albers taught at Black Mountain College in North Carolina for 16 years, after escaping Germany. The school was founded in 1933 and liberally based on Bauhaus concepts.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Gropius and Breuer taught at Harvard’s design school, and Moholy-Nagy founded the Chicago Institute of Design. 

Ludwig Mies Van De Rohe, the last Bauhaus leader, along with Philip Johnson in 1957, designed the Seagram Building, While the building itself stands as an icon of modernism, the empty space in front of the building was also innovative. An open, urban plaza set the building back from Park Avenue and created a gracious pedestrian space. Often emulated, such plazas have become a cliché, but, at the time, Mies was making a bold statement. He helped make Gropius’s modernist architecture the mainstay of New York City skyscrapers.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Florence Knoll, a former student of Mies, realized that the new skyscraper style demanded modern furniture and interiors to match, so she licensed Bauhaus and other modernist designs for mass-production. Today, Knoll is still one of the only distributors of genuine Bauhaus furniture — their success an indicator of the lasting appeal of Bauhaus design, nine decades later.

Florence Knoll sofa
Florence Knoll sofa

The International Style

While Bauhaus was a huge influence all over the world, there were other architects and innovators in America, France, Finland and the Netherlands who were not German, and when Bauhaus moved to America, another more inclusive name was born. The Getty Research Institute defined the minimalist, modern style of architecture that dominated until the 1970’s, “The International Style.”  It is characterized by the same Bauhaus principles of volume over mass, flat surfaces with areas of glass and a general rejection of ornamental and repetitive modular forms. Most people think of the International Style as another general name for the spare, geometric designs that are now called Mid Century Modern or Bauhaus.

Poul Jensen Z Chairs 1950 Denmark
Poul Jensen Z Chairs 1950 Denmark

Why Did Mid Century Modern Come Into Vogue?

The 1950’s were an iconic age.  The biggest world war in history had just ended, and Americans who had been living on rations, and war effort shortages were suddenly back to work with disposable income. A newhousing industry sprang up to provide replacements for the boxy pre-war cottages that had been the norm. These craftsmen style homes had “updated” the old Victorian style homes earlier in the century and often featured an inviting front porch, but with the end of the war, another housing style was ushered in.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

New subdivisions and affordable housing were the rage, and the “ranch house” emerged as an example of the new wave of design in architecture. The mid-century designranch houses are still being built to this day. As former neighborhoods got gobbled up by developers, and streets crowded with additional lots, the builders’ focus shifted from the former invite-the- neighbors-in porch ambiance in favor of a more private, fenced backyard with a patio. Open brazier grills became a staple, and large paned patio doorsevolved to let nature inside. 

History of Mid Century Modern Design

To enhance the mid century modern architecture, new plastic materials emerged for flooring, countertops and fixtures, in modern shapes and colors.  Inexpensive track housing was made available for “the boys coming home” and while there was a “sameness” to many of the models, they endured as stable, well-built and basic homes.

Between1946 and 1965, in California, other homes were going up, more than 11,000 of them, all designed by modernists commissioned by builder Joseph Eichler. Eichler, a former dairyman, had been inspired by living briefly in a Frank Lloyd Wright home. (Wright, an architect who had earlier built over 500 iconic modern structures, believed in designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture.) Eichler houses, found throughout Northern and Southern California (and even outside of New York City), are some of the most celebrated tract residences in the United States.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

It stands to reason that innovative interior design and furnishings would follow suit. Middle class, post war Americans were gaga over the latest modern furniture. The new world, the bright future was a big step up from the woes of past economic depressions, rations, and warfare.

If you are old enough to remember the 1950’s, you might recall some of the furniture in your own home, as I do. 

Our Formica kitchen dinette set was aqua, with chrome legs. Formica, a material first developed for industrial purposes, was widely used for Mid Century Modern designtabletops, especially dinette and kitchenette sets.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Over the span of the 1950’s and early 1960’s “space-age” materials were being developed and used to make this brave new world truly new. Plastics came into their own, rather than being used as faux (inexpensive) imitation of wood furniture. A lot of non-traditional materials including plywood, Plexiglass, vinyl, and metal changed the look and feel of furniture, as well as opened up the opportunity for wonderful bright colors and choices of contrasts.

Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen 1958
Egg chair by Arne Jacobsen 1958

Just like the clean lines of the ranch style houses, furniture took on an understated. minimalist look. Designers began to play with organic and geometric designs, making the eye move with color and contrasting materials.  Simplifying for functionality. Since an architect had proclaimed in 1896 that “form follows function”, no furniture before Mid Century Modern decorbetter exemplifies his point. If esthetic beauty should come from the pursuit of functionality, rather than simply for decoration or styling, the innovators of Mid Century Modern interior designsmade it their credo.

The Mid Century Modern furniture designers who emerged on the scene are of the best known and beloved of our time. Such names as Charles and wife, Ray Eames, Arne Jacobsen, Isamu Nogochi, Edward Wormley, Aero Saarinen, Alexander Girard and George Nelson are only a few of the hugely successful and famous game changers of the era.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The Henry Miller lounge chair and ottoman is one of the most quintessential of mid century modern pieces, designed by Charles & Ray Eames. This design is exhibited in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

History of Mid Century Modern Design

Mid Century Modern furniture is beautiful and fits functionally with the lifestyles of most people in the 21stCentury all over the world.  It may have come into fashion because of a world war, but in the confusion and turmoil of modern life, we can’t think of any style better to soothe and sanctify your personal living space.

The style continues to be popular, and the manufacturers continue the style lines, embracing the mid century modern because it has a timelessness to it. The Museum of Modern Art (and many other museums all over the world) pay tribute to it. But practically speaking, the designs just feel fresh, and are hard to improve upon.   

Edward Wormley sofa
Edward Wormley sofa

How To Decorate With Mid Century Modern

Yes, Mid Century Modern is a gorgeous style and most of us would like to have our home reflect some of those sleek, clean lines — but like everything else in this world, there are a few tips to doing it right.

PK22 chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1956
PK22 chair by Poul Kjaerholm 1956

Less is More

Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe used the phrase “less is more” regarding architecture and design, meaning the simplicity of lines and lack of ornamentation. But the concept holds true for Mid Century Modern when it comes to interior design as well. To have a room crammed full of mid century modern décor, be it authentic or replicated pieces would be overkill.  Just as one can have too much of a good thing in most aspects of life, it is certainly true in decorating.Balance is the secret.

Elle Decor
Elle Decor

To get the proper balance, it helps to study the history of the style, and then to take a slightly eclectic stance when choosing the full modern mix. The idea is not to replicate a 1950’s room, (which might come off dated and copycat), but to use broad strokes to create the feel of mid century modern. By choosing one or two representative pieces, like the sofa or the armchairs, the rest can be filled in with other functioning décor that enhances the room. By studying and understanding the style, you can find other furniture that echoes it, in the way of plain wooden cabinets, cork and teak, metal and plastic tables, Danish, wicker and Shaker pieces. Belike the brave of heart who go truly eclectic and use what works. We would advise against using excessive patterns unless you know how to do it, like below. By keeping the color range similar, the patterns don’t leap out and bite you, but look smashing. We love the subtle echoes in the pieces of  this room!

Nate Berkus Interiors
Nate Berkus Interiors

Authentic mid century modern pieces are still available. Indeed, some never stopped being manufactured, but they are usually pricey while excellent replicas are made by many of the top furniture sellers, and budget pieces can be found that are spectacularly well done.   

Once you have done enough research to understand the distinguishing features of the style, you will find many other pieces to echo that look, pieces that fit your budget and needs without buying original museum pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix midcentury with pieces from other periods.  You may be surprised how well some things blend, with an eye to color, shape and spatial balance.

William Abrandowicz
William Abrandowicz

Another trick to avoid your mid century modern décor from looking too uniform in style is to use furniture and accessories of different heights. Like good art, the idea is to keep the eye moving from place to place, so it works not to have everything at the same level. Lighting (such as the arc lamps) did a very good job of lifting the eye from the low-slung sofas and coffee tables that define the style. Art (large and small) (see the oriental screen in the photo above) can do the same job.     

Where can you find a Mid Century Modern Piano?

Sure, you can google and find Mid Century Modern furniture everywhere. From the high-end Herman Miller and Kroll pieces right down to Crate & Barrel, furniture is available in this wonderful style. But if you’re a pianist, you may wonder how to find a piano these days to fit your new mid century modern décor? Euro Pianos Naples had customers coming to them with this exact question. It might be easy to find an Eames or Barcelona chair, but they want a piano that fits into that special room as well.

Any number of modern pianos today will echo this décor. The Sauter uprights which are stunning, look to be made for Mid Century Modern in their sleek, clean lines.

Sauter Pure designed by Peter Maly
Sauter Pure designed by Peter Maly

But because we had specific requests for affordable mid century modern piano, we designed our own upright with the time-honored lines and silhouette to fit the demand.

Echo™ - Mid Century modern Upright
Echo™ – Mid Century modern Upright
History of Mid Century Modern Design
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What About Mid Century Modern Style Lighting?

They say the devil is in the details, and for a devilish good result in decorating, they would be right.  Lighting a room can be an art, but the wonderful designs in mid century modern styles are worth pointing out. Generally speaking, the style of lamps is soft and rounded, “bubbles” and globes. Whether they be rice paper lamps or hanging cylinders, simplicity usually reigns.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The arco lamp is an iconic mid century modern design that has never left us. It seems to look good in any décor, and it’s a wonderful space saver, as a floor lamp.

FLOS Arco floor lamp
FLOS Arco floor lamp

Table lamps often reflect the same simple structures of the furniture peg legs, adding charm to already simple lines.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

The opposite of the soft, round designs was the “star shape” or “sputnik” shaped multi-bulbed fixture which also represented the style, in many surprising variations. These were used to enhance the very stark décor of some rooms where straight lines prevailed.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

What are the Mid Century Modern Colors You Should Use?

Because the style ranged from Bauhaus to International and spanned two decades in the making, a wide palette of colors emerged over the years. Traditionally, in America, bright hues popped in via Formica and plastic, but colors settled down in the ‘60s and earth tones trended. Pink was always a mid century modern color giveaway.

History of Mid Century Modern Design
History of Mid Century Modern Design

These days, we think any carefully chosen palette will work, be it neutrals with pops of color, or a totally coordinated theme. One hint might be to choose your most important and eye-catching pieces first, and design around them. Even black and white can be uniquely used to make a room unforgettable. Look at the combination of rich wood and no color in this dining room.

History of Mid Century Modern Design

What Are the Finishing Touches on Mid Century Modern?

Getting back to the origins of this style, some of the kindest things you can do to any room is to bring nature and art to bear. Rocks, plants, shells, and bones are all used in variations that are not only visually gorgeous but enhance the humanity of your living space as well. If you have favorite items, things that are touchstones for your own memories and adventures, such keepsakes, incorporate them to add life to your experience of the rooms.

Like lighting, accessories are an art, and choosing small things that delight you, will help you love your space.

Vase
Vase
Teapot
Teapot
Clock
Clock
Teak Heron
Teak Heron

The finishing touches to a room can be very personal, very aesthetic, and also just be that pop of color that brings the elements together, as any good decorator or interior designer will tell you. Even throw pillows can provide exciting accents that don’t cost much to accomplish.

History of Mid Century Modern Design
History of Mid Century Modern Design

Whatever you decide on, we hope you are fearless and smart about it. Go Bold!

Iconic Knoll’s Barcelona Chair
Iconic Knoll’s Barcelona Chair

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, and it has recently become a manufacturer of its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A black piano with gold trim and a white top.

How to Choose a Piano


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There is nothing more exhilarating than making the decision to purchase a new piano. That is not to say that purchases like a new dwelling or vehicle are not exciting and more fundamental to immediate needs, but a piano is in a class by itself.

Pianos have a life of their own. They embody the needs of people’s spiritual, artistic and creative souls so that makes their addition to a household, church, or public arena a splendid and momentous event. Because a fine instrument can thrive for generations, it is obvious that the choice of a piano needs to be given serious consideration.

Even if an inexpensive upright piano or keyboard has been contemplated for a child or an adult beginner, conventional wisdom has that you get what you pay for, and that the piano itself can be a deciding factor on whether the student enjoys and pursues the lessons. Buying the best pianos you can afford and keeping them tuned and in good repair is what any reputable teacher will assure you.

So, then, how does one go about choosing a piano?

Tips On Making Your Choice

1. Buyer beware!

There are many old “cheap” pianos being hawked on ebay, craig’s list, and at bargain piano stores. If the price of a piano seems too good to be true, it probably is. A piano that has suffered damages (like being dropped from the back of a truck or has been neglected for decades, left exposed to hot sun, or unprotected near the moisture of a lake or ocean,) may appear to be okay, but unless an expert examines it first, do not be fooled. Cheapest isn’t always the best piano to buy.

old upright piano

2. Educate Yourself!

With the advantages that the Internet provides, everyone today can begin to educate themselves without leaving their chair. Start by investigating Brand Names and Manufacturers. Unlike the old days where a classic Steinway once set the bar for elegance, today there is a Renaissance in pianos. European piano manufacturers like Fazioli, Bluethner, Sauter, and Petrof have exceeded expectations in performance, design, and distinction. No longer is the cookie-cutter brown baby grand in demand, but a whole new smorgasbord of colors, designs, woods, sizes and décor is available. In the long run, you will be able to make a much smarter choice of the best pianos to buy if you learn the basics: a classical piano versus a modern piano versus an art case piano. An upright versus a baby grand versus a concert grand. A player piano versus a digital piano versus a standard. You will find the adventure thrilling to see that a whole new world exists in the realm of pianos, and familiarizing yourself with it is not only fun, but it can serve you well in a final and wise choice.

3. Get out and about

Once you have an idea of what you might want, it is time to get out and visit some showrooms and talk to some experts. It is a chance to compare different models and makes. However, a truly good piano store will not try to sell you on the available floor inventory, but will listen to your needs, and attempt to help you find the instrument that is exactly right for you. In this day and age, new pianos ordered from the manufacturer can be attuned to your every desire right at the factory, and further adjusted when acclimatized in their new location. Each piano is unique, and you will likely want to request your preferences for sound, the quality of key touch, and the piano size that fits the room size—to say nothing of the designs, finishes, motifs, art and inlays that are offered in piano cases today. Don’t settle on a piano until you have found the experts that can help you. Piano sellers should be able to give you direction and objective information in your quest. Due to the nature of this product, the hard sell has no place in this industry.

Types Of Different Pianos

1. The Acoustic Grand Piano.

Everything from a “baby” grand to a “concert” grand ranging in sizes from under five feet to over nine feet. The “grand” connotes a comparison to the upright piano. With a faster touch and a larger sound, the grand piano is considered more powerful and responsive. There is horizontal action in the massive soundboard. There is also the design element, the beautiful shape of the case, and the tradition of historic majesty in the Grand Piano.

Fazioli Grand Piano
Fazioli Grand Piano

2. The Acoustic Upright or Vertical Piano

Uprights come in varying heights and has a vertical action which can be above or below the keyboard, and all require floor space of about five feet by two feet, thus are more appropriate for small rooms. The Studio piano is the largest, and some professional-quality uprights can have equal tone to some small grands. So you can’t buy by size alone.

Sauter Upright Piano
Sauter Upright Piano

3. The Digital Piano

Digital piano also known as piano synthesizer, or weighted keyboard is an electronic
alternative to the traditional acoustic piano. Some digital pianos are also designed to look like an acoustic piano, both the upright or grand piano body style, a step up from the 88 key keyboard.

How to Choose a Piano

4. The Player Piano

The player piano conjures an image of perforated metal or paper rolls while the keys play themselves, but the current technology of encoded music on electronic disks have revolutionized player pianos. Even more exciting, the hardware/software can now be installed into acoustic and digital pianos thus converting them into Player pianos as well.

How to Choose a Piano

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, and it has recently become a manufacturer of its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A 3 d image of an open piano with gold wheels.

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

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Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

Lucid EXO Private collection one of a kind design

If futuristic minimalism is your passion, you will have found an exciting example of exactly that in the EXO. Built by Bluthner, the company producing HIVE and PH pianos, EXO manages to utterly revolutionize piano building by incorporating MONAD Studio’s signature 3D designs.

A fluid, almost cage like shape pays just a hint of homage to tradition before it soars thrillingly to hitherto unexplored heights.

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Dimensions:

6’3” long

Available Colors (body/rim):

Aluminum skeleton available in any RAL color

Price: Please Inquire

Availability: One only by special order

Transparent Piano designed by MONAD Studio

Elegance and strength harmoniously intertwine, strand by strand, to form the body of this sublime instrument. Sweeping aluminum arches flowing into each other form a single, perfectly tapered stiletto upon which the piano rests. The dynamic connection joining the two front legs curves beautifully along the floor as it houses the piano’s 3 pedals.

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano
Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

A design juggernaut; the EXO is a bona fide performance grand engineered and handcrafted by the renowned German piano manufacturer Bluthner.

At the heart of things, its interior, the EXO seems almost ordinary! Let’s shatter that illusion with a look at the sculpted exoskeleton framing the piano’s instrumental core. EXO is everything but ordinary.

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano
Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

Take a closer look at the radical three dimensionality of the EXO to detect the almost invisible music rack made of crystal clear German Evonik acrylic.

To those craving the sheer excitement of radical design, sonic expertise, opulence, fluidity and elegance – this is your piano. EXO.

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano
Authorized Dealer for North America

Authorized Dealer for North America

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

Have a question?

Contact Us

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A red piano with white legs and top.

Aire™ Red Baby Grand Piano for Sale

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A piano is shown with its lid open.

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A 3 d image of an open piano with gold wheels.

Bluthner Lucid EXO Modern Transparent Piano

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Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

A white piano with a bench on top of it.

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

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Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

Bluthner’s HIVE Elegance couples the elegance of a semi transparent piano with striking beehive acrylic accents. Hive Elegance is set upon swooping, metallic legs. Hive Elegance is entirely customizable inside and out in the RAL color of your choice.

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One Of The Most Elegant Pianos Designed By Bluthner

The legs and the pedal lyre are edgeless, plant-inspired cones curving ever-so-slightly for a high impact look that is totally science fiction yet wholly organic.

The cutouts in the lid and the music rack unify the style of this statement-making plexiglas piano.

The Hive Elegance is fully customizable beguiling with just a touch of airiness. Customize the iron frame inside the piano and the damper tops to reflect or accent the exterior color of the piano creating a piano that is uniquely your design.

Dimensions:

Available in several sizes

Petite Baby Grand – 5″ | Baby Grand – 5’5″ | Parlor Grand – 5’9″ | Professional Grand – 6’3″ |

Music Room Grand – 6’9″ | Semi-Concert Grand 7’8″ | Concert Grand Piano – 9’2″

Available Colors (body/rim):

Customization available

Hardware: 

Chrome, Brass, Rose Gold

Price: 

Please Inquire 

Availability:

Special Order

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

Contrasting the ebony with gold on this piano creates a luxury masterpiece. While retaining a traditional shape, this piano is anything but. The Hive Elegance does not occupy a space as much as it transforms it.

Modern sci fi elements working hand in hand with traditional “lucky” red and gold color combination. With its bee hive shaped skeleton that creates uniquely shaped light patterns. Perfect for uber modern spaces, the Hive Elegance beguiles with its ability to be at one with both air and light.

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano
Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

Whether placing this piano “tail into the room” or “tail in the corner”, the Hive Elegance remains impactful yet never overpowers. The design elements are distinctive and pleasing from every angle.

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance is available with a state of the art self playing player system. Enjoy hours of live performances in your living room or on a yacht with the touch of an iPad.

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano
Authorized Dealer for North America

Authorized Dealer for North America

Bluthner Lucid Hive Elegance Acrylic Piano

Have a question?

Contact Us

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Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?


First of all, we need to establish what we’re talking about. Do we really mean Crystal Pianos? 

The only “real” crystal piano we know, a collaboration between Steinway and a British artist, Lauren Baker under the name of Goldfinch, is encrusted with a half million authentic Swarovski crystals, hand glued over a six-month period, commissioned by a wealthy client in the Middle East.

Goldfinch Swarovski crystal piano

Goldfinch Swarovski crystal piano

The late celebrated pianist, Liberace, who collected pianos and preferred Baldwins, had a grand piano entirely studded with rhinestones (and an automobile too!) which was sometimes referred to as a crystal piano. He also had several covered with tiny mirrors.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

But more often than not, when one hears “crystal piano,” it means the head-turner in the piano industry these days, a transparent piano, which is built with see-through plastic material. The transparent material allows an interesting view into the interior workings of the instrument and creates a lightweight buoyant aspect to an otherwise heavy piece of furniture. These acrylic pianos are called by different names: Crystal, Transparent, Lucite, Plexiglas, and the most generic, Acrylic. One famous piano builder uses the German spelling, calling it a Krystal piano.

The Heintzman Crystal Piano holds the title of the most expensive piano to date, at the cool price of $3.22 million, built to promote the Beijing Olympic Games. The nine foot long concert grand made completely of acrylic (and always referred to as crystal) made its debut during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. This piano was sold to an anonymous bidder in an auction after the invigorating performance by world famous pianist, Lang Lang,

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

What Is Acrylic? Is It Plastic Or Plexiglas?

A Brief History of Plastics

Acrylic is a clear (unless it’s dyed) very high-grade form of plastic made primarily from petroleum. Plexiglas (Acrylite) is one of big brand name manufacturers, as is Lucite (Perspex). Although acrylic is a form of plastic, it should not be confused with imitation plastic products which quickly yellow and discolor. But like anything else, there are superior and inferior acrylics, in terms of their ease of use and manufacturing requirements.

There are two basic versions of acrylics: cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is produced by mixing the acrylic liquid in molds. Four acrylic plates between two glass plates where a chemical process in the mold creates a homogenous material with equivalent properties in all directions. In contrast, extruded acrylic is produced by continually pushing the acrylic mass through a form, while the chemical process takes place.

Cast acrylic is usually regarded as a better quality than the extruded, and in fact are two different materials. The cast acrylic is more resistant to some solvents. When laser cutting both, the cast acrylic creates no burrs.  Extruded acrylic can behave differently depending on how it’s bent whereas it makes no difference in cast acrylic. Cast acrylic is more scratch resistant, but is harder to flame polish (the finishing process to remove saw marks, prep marks, etc.). Cast acrylic is produced in many thicknesses and colors, which are more limited for extruded acrylic.

Internal tensions in acrylics can cause cracks when cutting it. There is more tension in extruded acrylic.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

Why Not Use Glass Instead?

There are myriad reasons for using acrylics instead of glass. Even Cinderella might prefer her ballroom slippers be acrylic because they are much stronger than glass, more impact resistant, safer and actually let more light in. Imagine a guest dropping his highball on your glass grand piano and shattering it? It won’t happen with acrylic. The material cleans up with just a mild soap and water swipe, and even scratches in acrylic can be easily buffed out. As a matter of fact, a slab of acrylic, about an inch thick, is bullet proof, that’s how strong it is. Acrylic, unlike glass, can be sawed, glued and designed into shapes and most importantly acrylic weighs 50% less than glass. 

Why Is Acrylic Furniture Expensive?

Acrylic is manufactured in sheets before it’s cut, constructed and designed into furniture. The thicker the sheet, the more difficult the process is to maintain the crystal clarity that is desired for furniture, requiring additional costs. Since the product is primarily made from petroleum, its price is linked to volatile oil prices as well. Expensive acrylic can be thick and luxurious, crystal-like, seamless; cheap acrylic has a noticeably more plastic look and feel. But that’s not to say it can’t still do the trick and look great in the context of your interior. Acrylic furniture creates lightness in a room, giving an airy cheerful, sometimes even whimsical, aspect to decor.

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

On the piano builder’s part, and that of many furniture designers, the seasoned professional workers are accustomed to wood – so acrylic professionals who design and build acrylic command high salaries and are not always easy to find. A lot of fine pianos and furniture are fundamentally handmade, not machine tooled, thus also raising costs.

What Are The Best Acrylic Pianos On The Market?

Whenever you discuss “the best” in pianos, the conversation rightly refers to the quality of the mechanics and action under the lid – where all the knowhow of 300 years of piano building is manifest in varying degrees.   Handmade European pianos are going to outscore machine-tooled pianos that deliberately keep costs down and attract a specific market. The buyer, his budget, and the sophistication of the buyer’s musical ear are the most important deciders when judging what piano would be best for any individual. 

In the industry, where professional musicians, technicians, and critics flourish, “the best” means very different things to different people. The desired sound may be a clarity of tone, and/or warmth, richness, mellowness, purity with a short or long sustain, sonorous, or hard-edged, to mention only a few. Touch can differ by key response, key weight, stability, ruggedness. Are the cosmetics of the instrument as important as its musicality? All preferences are individual and different models and makers of pianos supply different sounds and touches, as well as differences in the design of the cases, the decorative values, the artfulness of designs. That’s just a long way of saying that “the best” is always a subjective call. 

Generally speaking, higher quality and innovative designs increase the costs and the desirability of an instrument, so maybe the question should be: what are the best quality acrylic pianos on the market?

What Are The Best Quality Acrylic Pianos?

There are several high-end piano builders today making acrylic pianos.

BLUTHNER, a privately-owned family business, has been making pianos of the highest quality in Leipzig, Germany, since 1853 and today boasts the world’s most extensive selection of transparent “Lucid” grand pianos.

Bluthner’s Lucid iDyllic Excellence piano jumps to the top of the list. A fully transparent grand piano which appears to be floating, is the culmination of over 160 years of piano manufacturing and innovation by the Blüthner Pianoforte Fabrik. Many piano builders of acrylic grands used bulky wooden support beams and countless unsightly bolts. The Blüthner Pianoforte Factory has patented the process of securing the soundboard to truly create a fully transparent grand piano. This instrument’s translucency gives it the look of a fragile glass sculpture, while the durable acrylic ensures that it will continue to look pristine and unbreakable. Bluthner buys Plexiglas from Evonik, top rated in acrylics in Europe.

Bluthner’s Lucid Idyllic Excellence

Bluthner’s Lucid Idyllic Excellence

SCHIMMEL began making pianos in Leipzig in 1885. Among European piano makers, Schimmel was a pioneer in the use of computer-aided design and manufacturing. The company has used its Computer Assisted Piano Engineering (CAPE) software to research, design, and implement virtually every aspect of making a piano. Schimmel maintains that the combination of CNC machinery and handwork leads to better results than hand-craftsmanship alone.

The Schimmel Grand K 213 Glas is another quality acrylic grand piano. Schimmel introduced the first transparent piano in 1951 and 30 years later, perfected the design. Now the K213 is one of their flagship models in the grand piano class.

Schimmel’s K213 Glas grand piano

Schimmel’s K213 Glas grand piano

KAWAI, a line of Japanese pianos, also makes a notable acrylic grand, the CR40 crystal piano. Kawai ‘s ultimate efforts to produce a world-class piano paid off and gave them brand name recognition on the list of high quality piano builders.  

Kawai CR40 Crystal grand piano

Kawai CR40 Crystal grand piano

Of course, as mentioned before, quality usually denotes expensive. Indeed, Bluthner Schimmel and Kawai prices run in six figures.

EURO PIANOS NAPLES, based in Naples, Florida, designed an affordable quality acrylic baby grand piano (built in Miami using 100% US made acrylic) for clients desiring a more affordable transparent piano. 

Bringing a new piano to the marketplace required a lot of research and development. Over months of intensive study, a team of specialists including among them an engineer and pianists, created the acrylic baby grand piano named “Aire.” 

The standard 5’3″ wooden piano case can be ordered in polished ebony, white or red with beautiful acrylic legs, lid, lyre and music desk. The clear elements added to the case make the piano look as if it’s floating on air, thus the name designated for this little beauty. It has all the magical look of a European crystal piano priced in the mid to high six figures while being a budget-pleasing acrylic piano in the $50K range. 

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in black trim

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in black trim

Why is there such a price difference between these pianos?  The answer is that the quality of a grand piano handcrafted by the very best German piano builders will always be superior to (and more expensive) than the best consumer grade piano. For the normal home, concert-level performance quality is not a requirement.

Crystal pianos are often desired for their decorative value as well as being a fully usable musical instrument, designed for a lifetime of pleasure. And while the Aire™ is not using German acrylic for its components, it is using a very high quality, but less expensive American acrylic.   

The Aire™ piano has a wooden rim, spruce soundboard and full-sized high-performance piano action. The acrylic components do not interfere with the sound or performance quality.

The Aire™ can be customized with the addition of a wireless PianoDisc player system that brings performances by top artists to your living room and extends the usefulness of the piano. Today’s high definition player systems are invisible, store hundreds of hours of music, have a full orchestra and voice accompaniment, and do not impact playability of a piano.

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in white trim

Aire™ Acrylic Baby Grand Piano in white trim

What About The “Other” Knock-Off Acrylic Grand Pianos?

It would be remiss to ignore the so-called crystal pianos advertised at ridiculously low prices on the internet. Like anything else, quality costs money, and let this serve as a warning: If it sounds too good to be true, it is.  

No sooner had Euro Pianos designed and marketed their affordable Aire, when Chinese knockoffs began to appear online, undercutting the already vastly-reduced price of Aire’s crystal piano. How could they do this?

Crystal Pianos: Are They Really Made Out Of Crystals?

American acrylic (and of course, highly-rated European Evonik acrylic) is extremely resistant to yellowing or discoloration. If you look at the bubble canopies of World War II bomber planes made of Plexiglas, they are still clear after a half-century of sitting in the sun

Non-genuine acrylic yellows quickly. It also becomes brittle. Styrene, PETG, and Polycarbonate have their own suitable uses, but for acrylic pianos or furniture, they are NOT suitable. So, buyer beware.

Check that the plastic used in the piano is truly acrylic before accepting such a cheap price. Also consider the quality of the hardware and the quality of the actual piano. You don’t want pitted and rusted metal in a piano that doesn’t work. Do your research before you buy! 

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, Schimmel, Fazioli, as well as its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A white piano with wooden parts on top of it.

Bluthner Lucid Elegance Piano

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Bluthner Lucid Elegance Piano

Bluthner Lucid Elegance Semi-Transparent Piano 

Customize your Bluthner Lucid Elegance piano with the help of Euro Pianos. Create the ultimate entertainment system by adding an invisible wireless player system. Each Bluthner Lucid piano is built with the highest quality German Evonik acrylic and Bluthner performance piano parts.

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Semi-Transparent Piano built by Bluthner The gleam of crystal….

From the piano builder with a century-and-a-half tradition of innovation and excellence (Bluthner was the company that engineered a piano for the Hindenburg dirigible) comes a most cutting-edge and visionary reincarnation of the instrument – the Bluthner Lucid Elegance. The entire body of the piano is realized in reinforced plexiglass exposing the beauty and engineering that lies within. Each Bluthner Elegance piano is fully customizable. A unique design born of your desires and imagination. Select from solid colors to exotic burl veneers on the side panels to rose gold, brass and chrome hardware; the sky is the limit.

The addition of LED illumination to the inner and outer rim of the piano case adds a touch a magic transforming not only the piano but also the setting. Bluthner Lucid is at the intersection of tradition and innovation. The use of the newest materials and latest technologies make what seemed impossible just yesterday a beguiling reality.

Make an unforgettable statement with Bluthner Lucid Elegance. Breathe new life into tradition.

 

Dimensions:

Available in several sizes

Petite Grand – 5′ | Baby Grand – 5’5″ | Parlor Grand – 5’9″ | Professional Grand – 6’3″ | Music Room Grand – 6’9″

| Semi-Concert Grand 7’8″ | Concert Grand 9’2″

Available Colors (body/rim):

Customization available

Hardware: 

Chrome, Brass, Rose Gold

Price: 

Please Inquire

Availability:

Special Order

 

Bluthner Lucid Elegance Piano

Bluthner Lucid Elegance in ebony is a classic yet very different look. The contrasting interplay of the transparency of the lucite and the richness of the ebony create a bold, sophisticated statement piece. Adding a chrome frame will give it a cooler, more contemporary allure while the classic gold or brass frame will serve to bring out the warmth and familiarity of grand piano from the past all the while remaining unapologetically daring.

Turn any interior into a modern day Versailles with the effervescence of the Lucid Elegance in white. Add additional romance by selecting a white frame or bold glamour with a rose gold frame and hardware.

Bluthner Lucid Elegance Piano
Authorized Dealer for North America

Authorized Dealer for North America

Bluthner Lucid Elegance Piano

Have a question?

Contact Us

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Lucid-iDyllic-Rose-Gold

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A piano is shown with its lid open.

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A large room with stairs and piano in it

Pianos Under Staircases


Pianos Under Staircases

When the time comes for buying a grand piano, whether it be a baby grand or a concert grand, the first interior design consideration is where to place the instrument.

Some homeowners have dedicated music rooms, or can integrate a piano into the living room or recreation room. This is not a solution for every home, but clever designers have come up with a practical and beautiful idea. In houses that have staircases, the wasted space under the steps is sometimes a “hole” in the décor that verges on an eyesore. Others, to avoid a void, might fill it with grandma’s pie pantry, or some other unused storage pieces. That same space could be a perfect place for a grand piano.

The very existence of a second story raises ceilings and provides an expanse of space that requires consideration.  Chandeliers and skylights often add the needed proportional detailing while a grand piano can lend the mass to anchor the lofty dimensions.

Because of the space, many interior designs are confined to color combinations of black and white, employing lines, direction, textures, shapes, and tones to tie together the ensembles of architecture, art and music. Others go to town with color, but regardless, with a concept, it can come together and give you that grand piano you want.

In the example below, the piano offers an elegant entry into the main room, and seems to provide the gravitas to offset the airy spindles of the staircase and lacy chandelier. This classic décor is warmed by the beautiful pale tones of creamy butter against gray walls. 

Pianos Under Staircases

In a monochromic design scheme, such as the cream and white textured décor below, a piano can provide a focal point that pulls the elements together. Even the soft curves of the arched doorways and curved landing echo the piano’s lid. The balusters of the stairway provide a vertical repetition that moves the eye from soft to rigid and back again, providing a pleasing balance.

Pianos Under Staircases

As evidence that there is no one right way to do things, the piano for the extremely lavish room below was chosen with a totally different design concept in mind. The white instrument was chosen in order to blend with the white of the floor’s lustrous marble, drapes, stair steps and complex white architecture with its pillars and ornate staircase, the eye is left to bounce off the filigreed black designs of the fantastic balustrade as well as the patterned rug and piano bench which echo the lacy shapes of the chandelier.   

Pianos Under Staircases

This modern, sweeping staircase in a soft spiral seems to embrace the grand piano beneath it. With the black and white motif, the statement is bold but simple. The black sculpture and black grand piano become united as art objets. Whimsically, one could almost visualize musical notes dancing down this balustrade  with its lines like staff paper.

Pianos Under Staircases

Another example of the filigreed wrought iron balustrade and white marbled floors shows off the classic grand piano in balance with the lavish chandelier. Note the carefully spaced LED spots on the ceilings, the subtle magic that lighting can add to a room. A traditionally staid design suddenly pops with surprises of modernity. 

Pianos Under Staircases

Again, the winding staircase in this arched space fairly begs for a grand piano to be tucked under it. With the addition of wood in balustrade, stair treads, and the living room hardwood floor, soft shades of tan and butterscotch walls complete the inviting and warm music area of the traditional home.

Pianos Under Staircases

This white staircase, edged with sheer acrylic, emerges from a surprising ceiling of sweeping, rounded recesses, right out of a space ship. A traditional chandelier is almost hidden in the large modern cavity, and the graceful lines of the dark grand piano, set against its world of whites, lends balance to the grandiose shapes and lines of the architecture.

Pianos Under Staircases

In an eclectic burst of color and design, this amazing stairwell with its circular landing begs for the attention of all the senses. The huge concert grand piano sits on a floral art carpet with an audience of Chiluly-like glass art in flower shapes, under an enormous carved curly-cue chandelier above. Stained glass windows, a red door, a huge leopard skin ottoman, and myriad other details make this a space not likely to be soon forgotten. Each element is an individual conversation-piece and artistic stand-alone statement, with a formidable piano as its hub.

Pianos Under Staircases

In stark contrast to the room above, the simple staircase, clean lines and single hung sash windows of this space are soothing and a proper surround for the baby grand, littered with fresh flowers. You can almost smell Spring, and feel quietude and rejuvenation just looking at this photo.

Pianos Under Staircases

This home’s foyer is also the landing for the winding staircase, with ample space beneath the stairwell for a grand piano. The warmth of wood, and the delicacy of the dual chandeliers give this space a crisp, traditional design heightened by wonderful window exposures of sunlight.

Pianos Under Staircases

Black and white is featured in this modest sized, modern living room with a stairway descending into the foyer. A black baby grand fits into the niche beneath the stairs and echoes the black balustrade, front door and furniture trim. The modern acrylic/glass coffee table and chandelier give this traditional room an eclectic charm.

Pianos Under Staircases

Sleek and sophisticated, this gorgeous staircase, bordered on the outside with acrylic, is so massive that it almost dwarfs the grand piano sitting beneath it. The modern architecture and high ceilings leave room to spare in this chic space with its surprise art and splashes of color.

Pianos Under Staircases

This curved and interesting stair provides a wall for a narrow passage with floor to ceiling windows. A grand piano is the perfect minimalist objet d’arte for such a space. The black and white theme with filmy grey curtains that mimic the floor’s marble grain complete a very architecturally beautiful space.

Pianos Under Staircases

Oops, is that space under the stairway just not big enough for a baby grand? A small house does not mean that it can’t accommodate a piano. This pretty little upright piano fits perfectly below the acrylic border of a natural-colored wood stairway, descending into a modest-sized room.

Pianos Under Staircases

Sometimes the stairway is constructed in such a way that there is no alcove. But usually that means there’s a wall instead, and sometimes such a wall is the perfect place for a piano. In this case, the walnut case of the grand harmonizes with the lovely hardwood floors, stair treads and bannister. The delicate carpet echoes the tones in   classic subtlety.

Pianos Under Staircases

It almost looks like the architect of this space had a grand piano in mind when he designed this staircase. The arched windows, the shape of the ceiling and gentle curve of the stairs all reflect the contours of the grand. The surprising pop in this space is the black and white checkered marble that stretches the length of the entryway. An additional arch and a peek at pillars in the background conjure a regal spaciousness. 

Pianos Under Staircases

This lavish double staircase is the penultimate of a glamorous setting for a grand piano. The instrument gives a clear comparison of how massive the chandelier above it is. The lacy balustrades in black wrought iron with matching balconies, marble steps and pillars are all provocative reminders of the dramatic opulence of yesteryear, in the days of Hearst Castle and tycoon mansions along the Hudson River Valley. 

Pianos Under Staircases

This staircase is a vision of romantic filigreed railings and balustrade which contrasts and compliments the contoured walls and pillars, with its arch and detailed Federal style enhancements. The grand white marble floor and pale oriental carpet add more spaciousness to the landing, and the baby grand piano is a relatively small exclamation mark beneath the  unfurled black iron lace.

Pianos Under Staircases

This charming little studio with industrial-mode fittings is another example of a baby grand piano claiming its home under the stairs. Airy and light, small in size, the loft bedroom and modern tone of the apartment advertises what music lovers already know: there’s always room for a piano.

Pianos Under Staircases

Grand is the word for the graceful black balconies and staircase of this elegant space. A grand piano parked at the bottom of the stairs punctuates accents of black along with black statues and paintings  in a room otherwise golden with shades of yellow, gold and the sheer crystal of a chandelier that mimics the Nautilus curl of the feet of the wrought iron railings.

Pianos Under Staircases

A smaller space can capture the same magic of filigreed wrought iron, golden colors and crystal. This baby grand, tucked under a gently winding staircase epitomizes elegance, and is enhanced by the spectacular waterfall chandelier.  The choice of textured walls in shades of old amber and curry create a cheerful tone without losing the formality desired.

Pianos Under Staircases

You don’t need Scotty to beam you up when you have this intergalactic-looking staircase, as unique and modern as you can find. The eclectic surprise is that the stairway descends on a near-traditional setting, with its traditional grand piano tucked beneath. However, the inlaid floor in an intriguing mandala pattern, seems appropriate to a space odyssey and the embedded lighting, like stars above might be a nod to someone’s merging everyday living to the galaxy.

Pianos Under Staircases

This is another example of the wall of the stairway used for grand piano placement. In this space, the wrought iron balustrade gently swirls down to a traditional setting with oriental carpet, cream colored walls, and a beautiful vintage chandelier with iron fittings.

Pianos Under Staircases

Here is another example of a modified “alcove” or “wall” – just a little corner nook for a cozy baby grand to snuggle into. Traditional, American, simple lines and soft hues, pianos and stairs go together like Mom and Pie. The soft yellow of the walls and soft color of the carpets all lend a serenity to this setting.

Pianos Under Staircases

Finally. A last word. When there’s no alcove beneath the stairs, and no wall hiding the stairs, is it still possible to place a grand piano nearby? As this extraordinary room shows, all you really need is a good idea.  The stairway, protected by acrylic, makes a nice backdrop for a transparent grand piano. But wait a minute. What is there’s no upstairs? I’m not sure if my eyes are deceiving me, but I think those stairs lead to nowhere, to air, and perhaps this entire stairway was built purely to be a backdrop for that acrylic piano! At any rate, it looks great and works as an artful setting for music making.

Pianos Under Staircases

When looking for the perfect spot for that new piano, don’t forget to check out the unexpected. You’d be amazed where you’ll find music!

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, and it has recently become a manufacturer of its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

A black piano sitting next to a white chair.

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

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When you find a piano that looks as amazing as a Boganyi Grand, you can’t help wondering about its origins, its creator and its significance in the piano world. To take in the swooping curves and sleek cantilevered body and pedestal is to recognize a new level of design in an instrument that has had very little design changes since the days of the harpsichord.

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

Its creator is Gergely Bogányi, a world renowned Hungarian pianist who was one of the youngest competitors to have won the Kossuth Prize in 2004, the most prestigious cultural award in Hungary. Born into a musical family in 1974, Gergely Boganyi was raised to be a concert pianist, and began amassing awards at an early age. At 19, he won Chopin and Mozart competitions in Budapest; at 20, the piano competition at Indiana University-Bloomington; at 22, he won the International Franz Liszt competition in Budapest, and was titled a “Citizen of Honor” in his hometown of Vac, Hungary. Bogányi performed concerts with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 2004. In November 2010, he performed for two consecutive nights the entire piano production of Frédéric Chopin in Budapest.

Besides his virtuoso performances, Bogányi quickly became known for his revolutionary piano designs. He not only wanted to change the look of the instrument, but in the tradition of an architectural maxim by Louis Sullivan, that “form follows function,” Boganyi also desired to enhance the performance sound quality of a grand piano and using a bold design to enhance it. He had a sound in his head that existing pianos couldn’t produce, so in the search for better sound, he had to rethink the shape, the spatial aspects and aesthetics which resulted in a simultaneous visual piece of art.

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

In order to accomplish this, he collaborated with many technicians over decades and assembled a masterful team. Eventually he found success with a Hungarian industrial designer, Peter Uyeges, who had experience with stringed instruments, designing unique electric guitars, and Uyeges employed the same work ethic and concepts Boganyi embraced. Uyeges’s designs brought years of research and work to life with the astounding shape and sound concepts of the Boganyi piano.

In order to support the enhanced sound in stability and design, a new cast-iron frame unique to its kind, had to be developed. The crimson red of the cast-iron plate is now their trademark, a tribute to brave and innovative solutions. The plate not only easily holds the 21 tons of string tension, but realizes their philosophy of functionality and power being in harmony with design.

Believing that the soundboard is the soul of a grand piano, they further enlarged the Boganyi soundboard and proportioned it for more power and roundness in the desired tone.

“We experimented through some 8,000 engineering hours with modern materials, particularly with the soundboard, searching for new technical solutions, constantly analyzing the derived new specter of sound,” said Bogányi. The soundboard was designed to be more resistant to environmental conditions such as humidity or dryness, so the instrument will hold its tuning longer.

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

The soundboard is only one of the many crucial design changes on the Bogányi piano. The agraffes – the links between the keys and the soundboard – were redesigned to create almost zero friction; the frame above the soundboard was reshaped in special cast iron; and the traditional three legs were ditched in favor of two curved legs that project sound towards the audience. The construction technology for the rest of the composite elements had to be modified to fit the demands of the enlarged body, using modern materials with a carbon fibre action custom designed by Wessell, Nickel & Gross, innovators in moving from wood to composite materials in their manufacture of piano parts. Boganyi’s piano keys were made from original materials. 

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

In 2015 the revolutionary new Boyanyi piano, the Prestige model B-262 was introduced to tentative reviews. Would this spectacular instrument be a flash in the pan anomaly or be a true contender among the Fazioli and Steinway lovers?

In honor of Finland’s 100thyear of independence, the country of Hungary presented a gift of the sleek, futuristic Boganyi piano to the country of Finland – where Gergely Boganyi had spent part of his youth, and studied music at the Sibelius Academy. The new instrument is housed at the academy in Helsinki.

It didn’t take long for the breathtaking, floating design with the crystal clear and longer lasting sound to gain a great international reputation and be added to the traditional grand piano heritage.  

Tamás Horváth, a sound engineer at Bartók Rádió, said of the instrument: “I can certainly say it has a unique tone, this is characteristic of all great pianos, such as Steinway, or Bösendorfer – they all have a specific sound.” Horváth added that the Bogányi had “a great sound for jazz pieces”.

Gerald Clayton, a four-time Grammy award-winning UK pianist who performed at the piano’s debut concert, has had more playing time on the Bogányi than most remarked.

 “It feels like you are in a spaceship, like you are hovering above gravity,” he said. “When you play a lot of notes, or you play a chord, the sensation is different. It’s super-clear.”

With a sales price of over 300,000 Euros, sales were not brisk however.

Nevertheless, research  and development continued for another ten years.  Building on the B-262 model, the next edition is a full concert grand with a whopping 9’7” length and 6’2” width, the Grand Prestige B-292, their flagship model with an entirely new dimension of sound improvements and design elements.

Boganyi – The Futuristic Piano Devoted To Performance Values

Euro Pianos Naples is proud to offer our customers access to these amazing instruments. We see the future in Boganyi’s visions.

About Euro Pianos Naples

Euro Pianos Naples is a respected distributor of European luxury musical instruments. The company’s origin dates back to 1965. Euro Pianos represents world renowned brands such as Sauter, and it has recently become a manufacturer of its own acrylic instrument – The Aire. Apart from being a successful retailer, consultant, and entrepreneur organization, Euro Pianos is actively engaged in the artistic and community life of Naples, Florida as an organizer and supporter of musical events throughout the years.

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