Upright Piano Cabinet Styles: 1960s - Current

Styles - The contemporary-styled modern upright, usually 42in (c.105cm) tall, was produced in increasing numbers by a handful of manufacturers, style and tone quality varied little. In order to cut costs and gain market share, quality of construction and parts used continued to decline. Plastic and other cheap materials were used in the Actions, hexagon shaped wire used in bass strings (noted for poor tone), and cabinets were constructed with chipboard, blockboard, and latterly, MDF board. Even soundboards have been made with multi-laminated wood (5-ply) !

More recently, manufacturers have responded to the need for more classical styles, and taller, more vertical, 1930-styled uprights have been made.

A 1970s Bentley 'Compact 85' upright in a Teak case

A late 1980s Yamaha U1 in a traditional style American Walnut case

An early 1970s Welmar model A2 in a satin mahogany case

A Young Chang 'Weber' E202 in a black polyester case

Cabinet Veneers - various types of mahogany are the most common, with teak (produced mostly in the 1970s), Cherry, American Walnut, light Oak, and highly polished black. Most cabinets were finished in a matt or satin lacquer, but 'Polyester', a high-density, glass-like coating has become more popular in recent years.

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