You can't take a piano on a picnic, but that's almost a complete list of what you can't do with this most versatile of musical instuments.
The Piano traces its ancestors back to the earliest stringed instruments; the keyboard was added in the 12th century. Since the development of the true "pianoforte" in Italy in the 18th century, the piano has made itself right at home anywhere music is played. It blends well with other instruments, and it is the ideal solo instrument.Learning to play the piano puts you in touch with melody, harmony and rhythm--and with the whole range of human emotions, from Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata to rollicking ragtime. Maybe you know all this. Maybe you're ready to buy a piano.
How do you go about deciding which is the best one for you?
First, keep in mind that you will be listening to, and looking at, your piano for a long time. The average lifetime of a piano is about 40 years, and you will probably have it long after you have sold your present furniture, house and car. Pianos depreciate very little. A used piano built 10 years ago and maintained well will cost almost as much as a comparable new piano.So buy the best piano you can afford. Especially, don't try to economize on a piano for a child who's starting lessons. Making good music on a quality instrument is the best way to keep a young pianist interested.
Which type Of Piano Is For You?
Almost since the first piano was built, manufacturers have been trying to make it smaller. This has been no easy task, because good tone in a piano requires certain minimums in length of string and size of soundboard.First, the size of the original grand piano was cut by the use of stronger frames and an innovative system of cross-stringing, Then, in the late 1800's, the upright or vertical piano was developed, sending the space-consuming bulk of the instrument up along the wall, rather than out across the floor.
This was so successful that today some larger professional-quality uprights can have equal or better tone quality than many small grands.

