It makes sense. You have a small apartment and you want a piano, but you aren’t using it all the time, so if your piano can also be used as a desk… bingo!
This is not a new idea. Square and console pianos from the late 18th and 19th centuries, when closed, offered a flat surface that was frequently used as a table.
Of course you can just transform an old square piano into an extremely smart antique desk by simply removing all the piano parts. However, that’s a different matter altogether.
With the advent of electronic and digital pianos the idea of a desk piano became less relevant. A slab digital piano packs away neatly, so space isn’t so much of an issue.
Alternatively, several studio furniture manufacturers—such as De-Fi Studio Gear, Zaor, and Buso—offer specialised professional desks designed to accommodate a full 88-note digital keyboard on a heavy-duty slide-out shelf.
And independent furniture makers on platforms such as Etsy create custom wooden enclosures for digital pianos. These often feature flip-top or sliding lids that effectively transform the instrument into a mid-century or modern-styled desk.
Digital pianos do not require strings or a soundboard, so designers of larger, console-style home models can easily create instruments with flat tops that, when closed, can function as a table or desk.
But what if you want a modern acoustic instrument that doubles as a desk?
Pear River DQ100 Hybrid Piano
Pearl River has just released the DQ100 — a multifunctional upright hybrid piano that also functions as a desk.
A hybrid piano features a traditional acoustic action, but replaces the strings and soundboard with high-precision sensors that track every movement of the keys and pedals. These sensors trigger a sophisticated digital sound engine, meaning that while it isn’t a “full-on” acoustic piano, it plays and feels exactly like one. Additionally, these instruments offer the significant advantage of “silent” practice through the use of headphones.
The Pearl River DQ100 is a compact instrument (49.5in x 19.7in x 40.0in) having a 69-note keyboard. The digital sound engine utilises samples of a Kayserburg 9ft grand, and an additional 127 other preset voices are available.
Other features include Record, Metronome, Intelligent Transposition, Auto-accompaniment, Bluetooth connectivity, and Key-light Teaching.
The casework takes the form of a traditional small upright piano, however the lit folds flat to provide the desk working space. Various storage compartments are located below the keyboard, and the DQ100 sits on four castors.
The Pearl River DQ100 is produced in Natural Wood, Pink, and Grey finishes. Price and delivery are yet to be confirmed. For more information go to PearlRiverUSA.com.
Kiyola KF-20 and KF25 Digital Pianos
Interestingly Roland has also just launched two new digital piano models to its artisan Kiyola range. These exceptional instruments are exquisitely designed in conjunction with Karimoku, master Japanese wood-furniture manufacturers.
The handcrafted natural Kiyola cabinetry exudes a Scandinavian/mid-century modern aesthetic, elevating the pianos to true statement pieces.
Furthermore, these models use a “lid-flip” design where the keyboard cover folds back to become the music rest. And when the lid is folded down these pianos do transform into a sleek designer desk or table.
The original Roland Kiyola KF-10 was launched in September 2015, and immediately won the Good Design Award for that year. The new KF-20 and KF-25 represent the first major additions to the range.
Updates to the new models include: Roland’s Piano Reality Modelling, higher precision sensing of the PHA-50 keyboard, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C (Audio/MIDI and Charging), and unlimited polyphony.
The main differences between the models relate to the casework. The Roland KF20 is similar to the KF-10 using the Hikimono technique (wood turning) which results in soft round edges and tapered legs. A choice of Pure Oak, Walnut or Sheer White finishes is offered and a new Celadon Green finish is also available.
The KF-25 is built using Sashimono joinery—the connecting of wood at right angles without nails. This gives a more “boxy” style. Roland only offers this model in a new deep-toned Smoked Oak colour.
Prices (at the time of writing) for the new models in the US start at $5,719.99 and these will be available only through the MoMA Design Store.
In the EU and UK prices start at €4,490.00 and £3,803.00 (inc VAT).
To learn more about the Kiyola KF-20 and Kiyola KF-25 visit Roland.com.
See previous World Piano News article about the Roland Kiyola KF-10 <here>.