Hollywood Piano
EST. 1928
Piano ABCs
Piano people speak their own language.
We translate it.
We translate it.
A complete A to Z guide to piano terms, parts, sizes, and more - in plain English.
BETTER
PIANOS
BRIGHTER
LIVES
SINCE 1928
PIANOS
BRIGHTER
LIVES
SINCE 1928
Piano Sizes at a Glance
Common names, real dimensions and what they mean.
The name is less important than the actual measurement.Terms vary by manufacturer. Always ask for the exact height or length.
Upright (Vertical) Pianos
Measured by height (floor to top)
Spinet
36" - 40"
Smallest traditional vertical. Often found in older pianos.
Console
40" - 44"
Compact size for home use.
Studio Upright
44" - 48"
Larger action and soundboard. Common in schools and studios.
Professional Upright
48" - 52" +
Full-size vertical with greater string length and tonal potential.
Grand Pianos
Measured by length (front of keys to far end)
Petite Grand
under 5'
Compact size for smaller spaces.
Baby Grand
5' - 5' 5"
Most popular size for homes.
Medium Grand
5' 6" - 6'
More presence and richer tone.
Parlor Grand
6' - 7'
Greater depth and projection.
Semi-Concert Grand
7' - 8'
For advanced players and venues.
Concert Grand
8' 6" - 9' +
Ultimate performance capability.
Inside a Grand Piano
Click on a part to learn more.
Commonly Confused Terms
Clear answers to the questions we hear most.
Chord vs. Cord
A chord is three or more notes played together. A cord is a cable or wire.
Upright vs. Vertical
They mean the same thing.
Baby Grand vs. Grand
"Baby grand" is a size description, not a different type of piano.
Player Piano vs. Silent Piano
A player piano plays by itself. A silent piano lets you play with headphones.
Tuning vs. Regulation vs. Voicing
Tuning adjusts pitch. Regulation adjusts the action. Voicing adjusts the tone.
Digital vs. Hybrid
A digital piano is fully electronic. A hybrid uses real piano action with digital technology.
Grand Size Terms
Baby, parlor, and concert grand are general terms, not industry standards.
How to Measure a Piano
Upright Piano
Measure height from the floor to the top.
Grand Piano
Measure length from the front of the keyboard to the far end.
Where to Find the Serial Number
Common locations for the serial number on uprights and grands.
Grand Piano: usually on the plate near the tuning pins. Upright Piano: often on the plate behind the upper panel.
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Featured Terms
A few important piano terms to get you started.
A
ActionThe mechanical system that connects the keys to the hammers.C
ChordThree or more notes played together. Not a cord.P
PitchHow high or low a note sounds.R
RegulationAdjusting the mechanical action for proper performance.S
SoundboardThe large wooden diaphragm that amplifies the strings.V
VoicingAdjusting the tonal character, usually through hammer work.Explore the Full
A to Z Glossary
Definitions, explanations and real-world examples for every letter.
The Complete A to Z Piano Glossary
A
ActionThe mechanical system that connects the keys to the hammers and lets the piano respond to the player.Why it matters: it affects control, repetition, and touch.
B
BridgesWooden parts that transfer string vibration into the soundboard.
Baby GrandA general size description for a smaller grand piano, usually around 5 feet to 5 feet 5 inches.
C
ChordThree or more notes played together to create harmony.Often confused with: cord, which is a cable or rope.
ConsoleA compact upright piano, often around 40 to 44 inches tall.
D
DampersParts that stop the strings from continuing to vibrate when you release a key or pedal.
Digital PianoAn electronic piano that uses sampled or modeled sound instead of vibrating strings.
G
Grand PianoA piano with horizontal strings and a grand-piano action.
H
HammersFelt-covered parts that strike the strings when a key is played.
Hybrid PianoA piano that combines digital technology with elements of acoustic-piano action or design.
K
KeyboardThe complete set of keys used to play the piano. A standard modern piano has 88 keys.
P
PlateThe cast-iron frame inside the piano that supports the tension of the strings.
PinblockThe laminated wooden structure that holds the tuning pins.
PitchHow high or low a note sounds.
PedalsFoot controls that change sustain and other tonal effects.
R
RimThe outer curved structural body of a grand piano.
RegulationMechanical adjustment of the action for proper and consistent performance.
S
SoundboardThe large wooden diaphragm that amplifies the vibrations of the strings.
Studio UprightA larger upright piano commonly around 44 to 48 inches tall.
StringsThe wire strings that vibrate to create the piano's sound.
T
TuningAdjusting the pitch of the strings so the piano plays in tune.
V
Vertical PianoAnother term for an upright piano.
VoicingAdjustment of the piano's tonal character, usually by working with the hammers.
Z
Zero excusesThe playful reminder that understanding piano terms is easier than it sounds.
