A typical full-sized piano has 88 keys! However, other pianos are shorter and have 44 to 72 keys! Some are even longer than the standard size and have 97 keys such as the Imperial Bösendorfer Piano that is 290cm long. The largest piano has 108 keys (the 9 octave piano), but these are rare. Of the 88 keys found on the typical full-sized piano, there are 52 white keys and 36 black keys. The white keys are known as natural music notes, while the black keys are sharps and flats. Some of the black keys are also labelled on extended pianos to make it clear to the musician that it is extended.
When was the first piano invented?
An Italian man, Bartolomeo Cristofori, invented the piano in 1700. Cristofori was an inventor and instrument maker. Perhaps his most outstanding achievement was making the piano, an invention which he is well known for. He discovered that musicians had problems controlling the volume on the harpsichord and decided to replace the plucking mechanism with a hammer. The modern-day piano was first called the "gravicembalo col piano e", meaning "a harpsichord that can play soft and loud noises". The name was later shortened to 'piano'. Cristofori's early versions of the piano had thinner strings than modern-day pianos that were quieter but more sustained.
Who created the first 88-key piano?
The piano manufacturer Steinway was the first to come up with the idea of an 88 key piano. They did this in the 1880s, and many other manufacturers have since followed suit. 88 key pianos (including most grand, upright, hybrid and most digital pianos) have seven octaves plus three lower notes below the bottom C.
Why did piano manufacturers stop at 88 keys?
Most advanced musicians want to make use of the full 88-key range. This forces manufacturers to produce pianos and keyboards with 88 keys as the demand for these is higher. With the development of new music genres each day, perhaps we may see the larger pianos becoming more popular.
Do I need 88 keys?
If you are an experienced player it's best you get an 88-key piano as it gives you room to do much more! However, beginners will be fine using a piano with less keys as it's unlikely that you will be using the full piano key range when you first start learning. You also don't always need a full sized piano/digital piano if you are looking at a piano or keyboard purely for composing purposes.
At Broughton Pianos, most of our pianos are standard 88 key pianos available within our acoustic, digital and hybrid range. Visit our showroom to give these a play and find the best piano for you! Alternatively give us a call on +44 1562 731113 or see the rest of our website for the wide range of piano brands that we sell including C.Bechstein, Yamaha, W.Hoffmann and Kawai!
FAQs
For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning to play, and you can play most music on a 72-key instrument. For anyone interested in playing classical piano, however, a full 88 keys are recommended, especially if you plan on one day playing a traditional piano.
Is 32 keys enough? ›
Finding the Right Keyboard
What is this? 32 keys is the equivalent of just over two and a half octaves. It's not a lot, but it's enough if you're making beats and not trying to record classical or jazz music, and it's also a little more room than a 25-key MIDI keyboard.
Is 49 keys enough? ›
That's right: 49 keys are enough to get started. Because your instrument is really made up of repeating sets of 12 notes, as long as you have a few sets you will be fine. Obviously, in many cases it would be ideal to have a full 88-key keyboard. But you are not going to fail at piano just because you have fewer keys.
Is 25 keys enough to learn piano? ›
While you can get started learning the piano with a 25-key keyboard, you won't be able to get very far with such a limited range of notes. A serious piano student is going to need a larger instrument to really develop their piano skills.
Is 36 keys enough to learn piano? ›
An individual serious in learning the piano should begin with a full-size keyboard of 88 keys. Most piano instruction in the early stages will be focused around the center of the keyboard, however, a beginner should be comfortable with the range of a full-sized piano early on in their tuition.
Do I really need 88 keys? ›
Most keyboards come with 66, 72, or 88 keys. For a beginner, 66 keys are sufficient for learning to play, and you can play most music on a 72-key instrument. For anyone interested in playing classical piano, however, a full 88 keys are recommended, especially if you plan on one day playing a traditional piano.
Is 61 keys enough for a beginner? ›
Surprisingly, even 61 keys are enough for a beginner to learn most basic piano repertoire. Most songs feature no more than three octaves, which is more than enough space on a 61-key keyboard. It's also possible to play two-handed chords and melodies in the same song.
Is 88 keys better than 61 keys? ›
A 61 key piano only has 5 octaves which are not always enough for some repertoire. This may require musicians to transpose and adjust the sheet music to fit the instrument. For this reason, 88 key pianos are the preference as there are no limitations on what music someone can play.
How many keys does a good piano have? ›
Trivia:Why Can't There Be More Than 88 Keys on a Piano? - Musical Instrument Guide - Yamaha Corporation.
How long does it take to learn piano? ›
Most people who want to learn piano to play for their own enjoyment can get great results within three to five years of study and practice. Whatever level you're hoping to achieve, your progress depends on how diligently and effectively you practice.
“Learning piano has no age limit. In fact, activities like learning piano can stimulate the brain, increasing the ability to recall information.
Is 21 too late to learn piano? ›
Learning piano as an adult can be done. The only thing you need is commitment, which only requires some time out of your schedule so that you can learn and practice piano daily. There are several benefits of online adult piano lessons: Less Expensive.
Is 27 too late to learn piano? ›
Learning to play the piano as an adult can be intimidating. Many people limit themselves because they think they are too old or that it's too late to start something new. The good news is, it's never too late to start. If you have a desire to learn to play the piano, here are some tips to help you on your way.
Can you play songs on a 32 key piano? ›
As others have said, you can play virtually any melody on a 32-key piano. The problem comes with the particular “arrangement” of the song. Few melodies have more than a two-octave (24 keys) range. You may need to re-arrange the accompaniment with your limitations in mind.
What is a good amount of key travel? ›
When it comes to optimal travel distance, it really boils down to personal preference. For example, the standard distance of a full travel keyboard is around 4mm. Longer key travel is better for most people in terms of accuracy and comfort.
Can you learn piano on a 32 key MIDI? ›
No. You can practice keyboard — synth lines, monophonic stuff — but even then it is going to drive you crazy having to switch octaves. Piano is all about the hands and if you can't get both hands on the beast, you aren't going to be able to practice most pieces.
How many octaves is 32 keys? ›
A 32 note keyboard is only about two and a half octaves.
