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The exact origins of why there were a certain number of keys on a piano are unknown. What we do know from history is that the piano in the US consisted of 88 keys after 1885. The generally accepted number of piano keys is as follows: * 1700-1765 5 Octaves (5 x 12 = 60 keys) * 1765-1794 5 Octaves plus a 4th * 1794-1804 6 Octaves (6 x 12 = 72 keys) * 1804-1824 6 Octaves plus a 4th * 1824-1880 7 Octaves (7 x 12 = 84 keys) * 1880-Present 7 Octaves plus a 4th What we do know is that the piano, with 88 keys, is capable of reproducing the entire multiple octave spectrum of instruments used in an orchestra or band. Interesting to note that the Bosendorfer 9' 6" Concert Grand has 97 keys. The extra keys are at the bottom of the keyboard, extending from low A down to a growling really low C. As far as we know, there is no piano literature written that includes any played notes beyond the lowest A on a standard 88 key piano.

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17y ago

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