pyramid piano
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The "pyramid piano" was an early form of upright piano popular in the 18th century. Unlike modern uprights where strings run vertically from bottom to top, the pyramid piano featured strings that slanted upward from left to right. Its case above the keyboard was shaped like a tall isosceles triangle, resembling a pyramid.12
These instruments were quite tall because the lower end of the strings was positioned near the level of the keyboard. Other early upright designs included the "giraffe piano," which was essentially a grand piano placed on its end, and the "cabinet piano". The development of lower upright pianos, with strings starting near floor level, was pioneered by John Isaac Hawkins around 1800.12
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keyboard instrumentOther early formsIn the “pyramid piano” the strings slanted upward from left to right, and the case above the keyboard took the form of a tall isosceles triangle. Or a grand piano was essentially set on end with its pointed tail in the air, producing the asymmetrical “giraffe piano.”…
Read MoreIn the “pyramid piano” the strings slanted upward from left to right, and the case above the keyboard took the form of a tall isosceles triangle. Or a grand piano was essentially set on end with its pointed tail in the air, producing the asymmetrical “giraffe piano.”…
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upright piano…them lyre-shaped; round; the “pyramid” model (Pyramidenflügel; 1745) of the Saxon organ-builder Ernst Christian Friderici, with both sides sloping upward to the flat top; and the “giraffe-style” design (Giraffenflügel; 1804) of Martin Seuffert of Vienna, with one side straight and one bent, as on a grand piano.
Read More…them lyre-shaped; round; the “pyramid” model (Pyramidenflügel; 1745) of the Saxon organ-builder Ernst Christian Friderici, with both sides sloping upward to the flat top; and the “giraffe-style” design (Giraffenflügel; 1804) of Martin Seuffert of Vienna, with one side straight and one bent, as on a grand piano.
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