Why are pianos so huge?

Pianos are as wide as they are to fit all 88 keys, and all pianos are pretty close to the same width, due to the keys being a standard size. But that leaves length. You no doubt have seen the enormous concert grand pianos on a stage. And much shorter baby-grand pianos. read more

Pianos are as wide as they are to fit all 88 keys, and all pianos are pretty close to the same width, due to the keys being a standard size. But that leaves length. You no doubt have seen the enormous concert grand pianos on a stage. And much shorter baby-grand pianos. You may have seen a spinet piano, not much more than 2 or 2 1/2 feet front to back. read more

They are so expensive because of the huge number of parts required, especially in the piano action. You need capstans, wippens, all kinds of levers and screws, etc, for each key, and you need to have 88 of those. read more