subject: Types of Antique Pianos Commonly Restored – An Overview of the Different Models [print this page] Types of Antique Pianos Commonly Restored An Overview of the Different Models
The three types of pianos most commonly sold in the peak days of American piano manufacturing were the square piano, upright piano and the grand piano. While square grand production ended with the development of the upright piano in the late 19th century, the peak production period for pianos was from 1920 to 1930 during a time which thousands upon thousands were produced. Due to the amount of manufacturing during this era, there remain today many pianos that are in dire need of care and restoration.
An early type of piano, primarily produced in the United States was the square piano. Having a rectangular shaped case they were developed for homes and parlors as a substitute for the larger grand pianos. Being made by Steinway and Chickering in the northeast as well as by Knabe and Steiff in the south prior to the War Between the States makes them an enduring antebellum musical instrument, many being owned by prominent statesmen and leaders during this tumultuous time. They are considered an important historical musical instrument making them worthy of the finest piano restoration.
In terms of popularity and production, there were more upright pianos produced than any other models. Sometimes referred to as "upright grands" these early upright models were known for superior tone quality while being compact enough to not take up larger floor space like its predecessor, the square grand pianos. Having a longer string length than later studio, console and spinet model pianos, they are excellent specimens for rebuilding work.
Grand piano models are the oldest type of pianos, the modern grand piano being developed from the Pianoforte, the first models with iron plates being developed by the American piano builder, Jonas Chickering. While production grew in the late 19th century, the largest period of production came in the late 1920's when the smaller baby grand piano models that were more affordable came very popular among the middle class in suburban areas. Several types of styling including the French provincial and Italian Florentine as well as the traditional style baby grand were made, most commonly with a walnut or mahogany veneered case
