The Basic Parts of a Vertical or Upright Piano

Ever wondered how your piano produces a sound or what the parts of an upright or vertical piano are? Each piano produces a unique sound, but are all made up of basic parts. Together these parts become an instrument to be showed off and admired by all. Whether your piano is an older or a brand new model, each piano requires these basic parts to be a functioning instrument.

The case is the outside of the piano that is made of a beautiful wood and encases all the vital parts of a piano. While the case must balance the acoustics of what is happening inside a piano, it is mostly decorative. One major component of it that is not decorative is the pinblock, which is what the tuning pins are screwed into. 

The frame supports all that happens inside of the piano. Usually made of cast iron and painted gold, the frame sits on the piano bed and supports the tension created by the strings that are attached to it.

The action is the part of a piano that a player uses and cares about the most. It is the parts of a piano that we play which causes and produces the sound we want to be heard. It includes the keys, hammers, strings, dampers and the soundboard. 

A standard keyboard is made up of 88 keys, 52 white and 36 black. 

The hammers are small and felt covered. They come up and strike the strings causing the sound to ring.

Strings are what produce each notes sound. Each string or set of strings, depending on whether or not the note is a treble, middle, or bass string, vibrates at a specific frequency causing a specific sound to be heard. Tuning pins are adjusted so each sting produces a specific tone.

Dampers are attached to the keys and stop the vibrations caused by the hammers hitting the strings. If there were no dampers the vibrations would go on forever.

The soundboard is a large and thin piece of wood in the back of a piano that magnifies the sound, just like the speaker on your stereo. The vibrations from the strings travel through this piece of wood causing the loud tone. With upright pianos, if a louder tone is what you desire, pull the piano away from the wall and expose the back. This will cause the sound to be clearer and fuller.  

Each pedal on a piano has a different function. Most pianos have a standard 3 pedals but there are some that only have 2.  The sustain pedal or the right pedal raises all of the dampers on the strings to force the tone last longer. The soft pedal, also known as the left pedal, takes the hammers and moves them closer to the strings making the volume of the note quieter. The middle pedal, or the practice pedal, moves a sheet of felt that in front of the hammers to quiet the sound. This pedal can be locked which is why it slides side to side.

Every part found in and on the piano is important and together they become a gorgeous instrument to be played and enjoyed. The beautiful and sometimes not so beautiful sounds played are only heard when the different parts are all properly placed and functioning. To learn more about your piano or if you are interested in owning a piano, contact us today.