Guide to the piano: Day Two
Most pianos have two or three pedals. If you press down on the right-hand pedal, the strings that have already been struck continue sounding when the keys are released. When you use the left-hand pedal, everything sounds a little quieter. If a piano has a pedal in between these two, it is usually a practice pedal. Pressing this pedal down moves a strip of felt between the strings and the hammers, allowing you to practice without being heard in every room – or the house next door!
Most upright pianos are between 100-130cm high, or 40-52 inches. The width and depth rarely vary between instruments.
On most uprights, there is a music stand on the inside of the fall or fallboard, which can sometimes be locked shut. On other pianos it can be mounted on the upper panel of the piano. On taller, traditional pianos, the keybed, also known as the key slip or key-bottom is supported by two legs. Most instruments with these legs have wheels, known as castors – two at the back, and two under the toe blocks. Upright cabinets also have a lid, which can be opened to make everything sound a little louder, brighter and more direct.
Tomorrow… What’s behind your piano?
