The ostentatious styles of the late 19 th century gave way for more classic and simple design. The last decade of the 19 th century saw some of the finest craftsmanship and quality ever to be put into piano manufacturing.Īfter the turn-of-the-century, tastes began to change and piano design began to become a bit more streamlined. Since this was the height of the Victorian era, manufacturers were building their upright pianos with exotic woods and lavish carvings, often producing incredibly ornate and lavish models to suit the décor of the era.
In the 1880s and 1890s, upright piano production increased substantially and by the last decade of the 19 th century, the square grand piano that had dominated the market for the past century had all but vanished. It is exceedingly rare that we see an upright piano dating prior to 1870 come through our restoration shop, indicating that the extant models of mid-19 th century upright pianos are very scarce today.Īs the 20 th century approached, makers began shifting their production from the square grand piano to the upright piano, as the public’s tastes were beginning to change and homes were becoming smaller and less suited for large square grand pianos. Most of our vintage ephemera collection doesn’t show upright pianos until the 1870s, although upright pianos were built on a limited scale all through the early and middle 19 th century.
Prior to that time, the square grand piano was the preferred choice that dominated the American piano market. The upright piano didn’t become popular in American culture until the last quarter of the 19 th century.
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