Expert: Theron Ice - 6/27/2005

Question
Thanks Theron

As I mentioned, this question came up at a quiz night.  As it happened, there were two pianos in the hall where it was held, both of which had only 35 black keys?

Have you herad of a piano with only 35 black keys, and do you know why there is a deifferent number?

Phil

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Followup To
Question -
Hi Theron,

I know this seems like a silly question, but this came up as the result of a disputed quiz question!

How many black keys are supposed to be on a piano?

My piano here at home has 36, however several people tell me it is usually only 35?

Which is it, and why would there be a difference?

Cheers

Phil
Answer -
Phil,
    A standard 88 note piano has 52 white keys and 36 black keys. Prior to the turn of the century some 85 note keyboards had only 34 black keys.

         Sincerely, Theron Ice

Answer
Phil,

    I have never seen a piano with this amount of black keys. Assuming the count was accurate on both pianos and these were "acoustic" pianos, I have no idea why the count would be 35.
    It is possible that a "sharp" or black key was broken off but it would be highly unusual that both piano had the same damage. As a piano player, I can not figure how the keyboard would work for a pianist if one were "missing".
    You have my curiosity peaked! Possible exceptions could be that these 2 pianos were both of European origin or were "altered" for some reason. The whole "theory" behind keyboard study and performance requires a specific number of 34 or 36 in order to "work" from a musical standpoint.
         Theron Ice