While the grand piano hadn’t been redesigned for over 300 years, it was ripe for an overhaul. Luckily, it got one in the form of a radical overhaul from design firm Whipsaw. It’s called the Ravenchord.
The striking new shape resembles an outstretched bird wing, and completely overhauls what the idea of a piano can be.
With the internal workings exposed, the Ravenchord is able to directly project the sound of the piano to the audience. Even better, the musician can face the audience, versus facing away from them, as is customary now.
Winner of the 2024 iF Design Award, this radical form aims to elevate both the function and form of the piano, ushering it fully into the 21st century.
“The acoustic piano has been the same for hundreds of years but unfortunately, you can’t see how it works, its sound is indirect, and you don’t fully see the player’s face. Ravenchord is a completely reimagined “front projection upright piano”.
All internal working elements are exposed, so you can see exactly how the sound is being created.
By revealing and celebrating how it works, the musical experience is deeply enriched as form, function and music become one. The player is revealed too since they now face the audience.
The strings are arranged on a spiral-shaped steel frame, ranging from short vertical treble strings to long horizontal bass strings. The hammers, which strike each string, and the dampers which quiet them are on the center spine and activated by solenoids.
Each are lit so you can watch them hit the strings as a song is played. The strings sit on a red bridge, which transfers vibration to the large back soundboard. The front cover can be removed for tuning access.”
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14 Comments
This is styled, finished, working concept, not a buyable product at this point. But yes, we imagine it’d be a lot of money!
Cost? Nowhere is it mentioned. That Can only mean one thing. Expensive.
Nice looking piece of art. But is it truly functional? Sometimes the original design got it right. Been playing for decades and I challenge the disengaged argument. A true grand allows interaction between player and audience. I know because I have performed with no trouble engaging the audience.
Not enough room for feet maybe…
Where can we go to see and hear this elegant piano?
I’m curious as to how it sounds.
One tiny detail overlooked by the article is whether or not the sound is any good. Because as Matthew notes above, (and I’m guessing that the steel strings may be obscured by the wound ones due to the mysterious “spiral” frame design,) the bridges appear to be central on the soundboard.
How can there be dynamics with solenoid activated hammers?
Passing on this idea to ones whom may consider acquiring one of these. Radical redesign takes an unexpected turn. Without such risks we are but redundant in our choices.
We appreciate your insight! We sure hope the designers made it as functional as it is beautiful.
As a piano technician, I don’t understand how the action would work on this design. Also, are all those strings wound? and why is the bridge in the center of the soundboard?
don’t get me wrong, it’s a nice design, but I don’t think it’s functional.
Agreed!
Exquisite work of artistry that elegantly elevates the visual and listening experience.
Are they available for purchase?
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