High-Tech Keys and Pedals: The Evolving Technology in Pianos

As far as musical instruments are concerned, pianos stand to be one of the most popular and widely recognized ones in the world. From immortal composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Vivaldi, to contemporary musical geniuses like Alan Menken, Glenn Miller, and John Williams, to popular musicians like Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, and Jamie Cullum; pianos were and still are some of the most preferred musical instruments of all time because of their versatility and ubiquity.

To stand the test of time, these keyboard instruments went through a number of improvements. Examples of early innovations include extended keyboards, larger soundboards, tunable duplex scaling, aliquot stringing, and many other technical changes that made pianos sound and play better.

Iphone Application

These improvements weren't limited to resonance and tonal range either; looks were also changed, giving way to the rise of instruments with unconventional appearances. Limited edition art cases are good examples of such changes.

Steinway & Sons, an award-winning American and German manufacturer of acoustic pianos, partnered with a number of artists, designers, and woodworking craftsmen to craft unique piano cases inspired by paintings, decorating concepts, places, and even notable pianists from the past, resulting in rare instruments that are next to priceless. Other brands that offer such cases include Mason & Hamlin and Bosendorfer.

To adapt to the modern age, pianos also received a number of digital improvements that expanded their functionality, thus creating the digital player and hybrid piano series.

Examples of these enhancements include the ability to record and playback music, function without strings, or even play without a pianist. In addition, most digital pianos now come with preset musical accompaniment choices, alternative instrument voices, and other features that transform solo pianos into virtual orchestras.

Although most brands have tailored their instruments to adapt to the digital age, other manufacturers have improved piano technology even further; Yamaha's Disklavier is a shining example of this. Created to be an outstanding and sophisticated musical entertainment system, these pianos were also built to become intelligent alternatives for those who want an unprecedented range of playback and recording features in an easy-to-use system.

Aside from its ability to play audio and MIDI CDs, the Disklavier is compatible with most home entertainment systems and mobile devices. Using a smartphone or tablet Application, owners can wirelessly command the piano to perform on its own without any difficulty. Newer Developments have even found these pianos to be compatible with Siri, the Apple iPhone 4S's intelligent software assistant and knowledge navigator Application.

As technology continues to make things more durable, usable, and adaptable, musicians all over the world can rest assured knowing that pianos can also adapt to the changing times.

High-Tech Keys and Pedals: The Evolving Technology in Pianos