Published: 8 August 2017
The piano is a complex instrument. Under its lid, a grand piano houses more than 7,000 parts – including keys, strings, hammers and pedals – that contribute to the rich and unique sound of the instrument.
The piano is both string instrument, because sound is made with strings, and also a percussion instrument, because the strings make sounds when a hammer hits them. There are more than 200 strings in a grand piano, the tension of which correlates to the pitch. The tension in a concert grand is close to 30 tons.
In the 1930s, an official international standard tuning for orchestras was established which is A=440 Hertz (or cycles per second). These days, many orchestras and ensembles tend to deviate from this standard, playing at a higher pitch. QPAC has six grand pianos tuned between 440 and 442, and stored side stage of the Concert Hall. Visiting pianists select the piano they wish to use in a performance based on its tone and tuning. All of QPAC’s 9-foot concert grands are Hamburg Steinways, so named as they were built in the Hamburg factory of Steinway & Sons.
You May Also Like
![](/media/brugdfvw/1280x546_the_rabbits.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=308&height=192&rnd=133528221365530000)
Behind the Scenes
Our Behind the Scenes series takes you on an exclusive journey into the heart of QPAC, where the magic of the stage comes to life.
![](/media/lykdnj3k/2560x1092_summer_season_hero.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=308&height=192&rnd=133397047955600000)
Projects and Events
QPAC is a creative hub where communities come together to celebrate, learn, and grow through the transformative power of the arts.
![](/media/0bfpfudr/1259x706_digital_stage_hero.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=308&height=192&rnd=133414168296270000)
Digital Stage
Digital Stage provides a platform for a diverse range of performances, bringing the arts beyond the theatre walls.
![](/media/5czf4jey/2560x1092_suuport_us.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=308&height=192&rnd=133262054520200000)
Support
Support QPAC to help nurture and celebrate Queensland's rich artistic heritage while fostering innovation and creativity for the future.