What does it mean by "console piano"?

Other than the meaning of alleviating pain %26amp; grief, the word "console" can also mean a unit that is put against the wall. I've seen many piano websites talking about "console piano". Does "console piano" refer to an upright piano which is put against the wall or is it simply an upright grey market piano?What does it mean by "console piano"?
I assume from your question that you might be looking to purchase a piano, so I will answer you from that angle.



Spinet. Console, Studio Upright, Upright are all terms that refer to the height of the back on a vertical acoustic piano. Spinets are usually about 3-31/2 feet high, consoles are the next size at 3 1/2 to just short of 4 feet, Studio Uprights are around 4 feet and Uprights are a little over 4 feet.



In the late1930's manufacturers came up with a new style of "furniture"; the spinet piano. The back of the piano which would be smaller, and more compact to fit into a family's home than an upright, or a grand piano. Lots of middle class families gave their kids piano lessons, and this was the perfect size to buy as it did not take up as much room in the family home. They became really popular as they were a space saving affordable choice and stylish.



The drawback to the console or spinet is that because the back is not as tall, the sounding board (inside the piano) and the strings, are not as long, which makes the quality of the sound not as good.



As technology progresses, the sound of some console or spinet pianos has improved significantly, but still not even close to a grand in my book.



You asked about grey market pianos. There are a lot of substandard imported pianos out there. Lots of times they will have nice looking cabinetry, but not a great sound. Or a nice sound and cabinetry, but not be well made inside (makes repairs more difficult/expensive later or don't stay in tune as well). All things to consider.



I have actually seen pianos when you look into the back, and it looks like its made of balsa wood and kite string, literally!



Just realize the price is cheap for a reason, and make sure you know what the reason is.



If you want to buy one, I would suggest surf the net for information on different brands and determine which kinds are best; also see if you can get a friend that plays or a music teacher's opinion before you buy.



Good luck and happy playing!What does it mean by "console piano"?
Glad I could help, enjoy yourself and have fun playing :-) Mary

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What does it mean by "console piano"?
Accoustic pianos are either grand pianos (which have horizontal strings and come in several different sizes), or vertical pianos. Vertical pianos come in four sizes : spinet, console, studio, and upright. The spinet is the smallest, with a height of about 36"-38". Consoles are 40"-43" tall, studios are 45"-48" and full uprights are 50"-60".

Digital pianos also have models which are called console pianos. I think this nomenclature refers to the style of cabinet that houses the piano.

The ones I have seen seem to be square and shallow. I assume they are trying to reproduce the look of traditional console pianos.

The link I am giving you gives the specifications of all sorts of pianos.

Have fun.