Upright Pianos

View our current range of upright pianos for sale.

As with grand pianos, upright pianos vary in size and height. The smallest of uprights are no more than around 32in tall whereas the largest can reach heights in excess of 60in or 152cm.

The richness of the upright piano tone quality improves as the soundboard gets bigger and the strings correspondingly grow longer. We’ve included some images of different types of upright piano, however, please contact us to discuss these further or take a look at our current stock.

Overstrung & straight-strung upright pianos

In a straight-strung frame, all the strings are strung parallel and are vertically (or obliquely) positioned, whereas in the overstrung frame the bass strings are strung over the middle section in an “X” style.

In an overstrung frame, the diagonal lengths of most of the strings provide a richer sound than its straight-strung counterpart.

Underdamper & overdamper upright pianos

All piano actions are fitted with a damping system, otherwise, each note struck would continue to sound until those strings stop vibrating. But the two types of damping systems are fundamentally different.

The overdamper system is generally found in older pianos and is not so effective in cutting off the sound, as the dampers are positioned above the hammers, and make contact nearer the top of the strings, reducing their effectiveness.

The underdamper system is more efficient as the dampers are positioned below the hammers, and operate via damper-springs. This system is found in the better quality traditional uprights, and in all modern ones.

Some unusual Upright Pianos we’ve restored

1890s Diedrichs upright piano in an etched Art Nouveau ebonised case

The fully restored interior view of the same Diedrichs upright piano

1890s Diedrichs upright in an etched Art Nouveau ebonised case inside A 1911 John Spencer upright in a rich figured walnut case with inlaid daffodils

A Bechstein 9 in an unusual “Biedermeier” style birds-eye maple & ebony case

A 1962 Danemann small upright in an Art Deco walnut and mahogany case

A 1904 Bechstein model 9 upright in a figured and burr walnut case

A 1913 Bechstein model 6 upright in an Art Nouveau rosewood case

The fully restored interior view of the same rosewood model 6 Bechstein

COURTNEY PIANOS wishes to make it clear that all information herein has been compiled at its own discretion, and opinions expressed are those of our researchers, based on our years of experience within the piano trade.