Vertical Pianos
This type is called vertical due to its height (typically between 36-60 inches) and the position of the strings. There are 4 types:

• Spinet: With its height of 36 to 38 inches, and an approximate width of 58 inches, spinets are the smallest of the pianos. Given its size, it is the popular choice of many people who live in limited living spaces, such as apartments. One noted downside of spinets is called "lost motion", which means it has less power and accuracy due to its size and construction
• Console: Slightly larger than the spinet, its height ranges from 40 to 43 inches and is approximately 58 inches wide. This type of piano comes in various styles and finishes. So if you're particular about your furniture complementing, consoles give you a variety of choices. It's made with a direct action, thus producing more enhanced tones.
• Studio: This is the kind of piano you see in music schools and music studios. It is 45 to 48 inches in height and has a width of approximately 58 inches. Because of its larger soundboard and longer strings, it produces good tone quality and is very durable.
• Upright: This is the tallest among the vertical pianos, with a height ranging from 50 to 60 inches and an approximate width of 58 inches. This is the type of piano your great grandparents or grandparents used to play. When cared for properly, it stands the test of time and maintains its rich tone

Horizontal Pianos
Also known as grand pianos, they are called horizontal pianos because of their length and the placement of their strings. There are 6 basic types:

• Petite Grand: This is the smallest of the horizontal pianos. It ranges in size from 4 feet 5 inches to 4 feet 10 inches, it is indeed small but still powerful.
• Baby Grand: A very popular type of piano which ranges in size from 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet 6 inches. Baby Grands are a popular choice because of its sound quality, aesthetic appeal and affordability.
• Medium Grand: Larger than the baby grand at 5 feet and 7 inches.
• Parlor Grand: These ranges in size from 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet 1 inch. The parlor grand piano is also called living room grand piano.
• Semi Concert/Ballroom: Next size up from the Parlor Grand piano, it is approximately 7 feet long.
• Concert Grand: At 9 feet, this is the largest of all the grand pianos.

Grand pianos are said to produce finer tones and have the most responsive key action.

How does AE Worldwide Service these varied pianos?
Piano preparations at origin consist of the following possible services:

• Lock Keyboard: also known as tying the hammers. This is the process where AE secures the hammers which strike the musical strings located in the piano cabinet. The hammers are held in place either with Styrofoam blocks, or in conjunction with a long wooden board which prevents movement during transit and handling in the residence. At the destination, the board and/or Styrofoam is removed.
• Remove Pedals: the foot pedals are removed and packed to prevent damage to the pedals or the residence’s floors. They are reinstalled at destination.
• Remove Legs: this service most often applies to horizontal pianos. By removing and packing the legs, which are fragile and susceptible to damage, the piano is then easier to handle when moving, and provides a more compact unit for crating or padding. Legs are then reinstalled at destination.
• Crating: once the piano has been “prepped”, the final optional service is to crate the item. This service is a highly recommended alternative to padding, particular with high value pianos. Uncrating generally occurs in conjunction with the delivery process, once the final resting place is determined by the shipper.
• Tuning: another recommended service after a piano has been moved. Tuning is scheduled for service two–four weeks after delivery to allow time for the wood and mechanical components to acclimate to the destination environment. AE coordinates the service with local vendors who are experts in this specialty process.