A console piano is a type of upright piano, also known as a vertical piano. The soundboard of a vertical piano differs from that of a grand piano in that it runs vertically rather than horizontally, with the strings extending downward. The spinet, consolette, studio, and professional are the other four vertical piano categories, with the console piano being one of them.
The overall height of a piano is the main difference between the five categories. A true console piano is in the middle of the vertical piano height ranges, ranging from 40 inches (101.6 cm) to 44 inches (111.8 cm), with the spinet piano being the shortest and the professional piano being the tallest. Almost all vertical pianos have a depth ranging from 21 inches (53.3 cm) to 26 inches (61 cm) from the floor to the bottom of the keyboard (66 cm).
In the early to mid 1900s, the console piano became popular as a piano with a furniture-style design, a mid-range size, and a good tone. It started out as a 40-inch (101.6-cm) piano, but as time went on, taller versions emerged, with the standard being 42 inches (106.7 cm). The console and other upright pianos are typically less expensive than grand pianos and take up a lot less space on the floor. This, combined with their furniture-like appearance, has made them a popular choice in many homes today. They come in a variety of finishes, from wood with intricate inlays to modern lacquered finishes with sleek lines.
Though the grand piano is the best performing piano in terms of sound quality, most hobbyists and home enthusiasts are satisfied with the console piano. Although the vertical strings and compact size can affect the tone and resonation of the music, a well-built piano can produce a sound that is very similar to that of a larger grand. This type of piano is far the most popular of all pianos sold, owing to its practicality and performance.