Baldwin’s Acrosonic – the most popular piano model in history.

  Baldwins have long been favorites of piano teachers and have a well-earned reputation for being sturdy, well-built, maintenance-free instruments and the Acrosonic spinet from the Baldwin Piano Company is by far, the best of its kind. Many people like the low-profile appearance of the spinet, but most manufacturers offered poorly built models only to achieve a low price point. Baldwin actually tried to build a quality spinet piano! Its famous scale design made for a clear, pretty tenor and treble with a nice sustain. The bass section is surprisingly gutsy and resonant for the piano’s 36-inch height. Of note, the string length and soundboard area is equal to or exceeds many 40-inch models of other brands. To accomplish this, the casters are recessed into the piano’s bottom so the interior extends nearly all the way to the floor where the strings and soundboard terminate. One can’t even get a toe under this model due to its ½-inch floor clearance. Baldwin defines the American sound.

This is the quintessential “good used piano”, and it would be an excellent choice for the beginning piano student or casual player. It was built in 1964 though in piano years it is much younger, having been played sparingly. There is minimal wear for its age on the hammers and damper felts plus the other moving action parts. All of the tuning pins are tight so it will hold its tune. Loose tuning pins are a common problem in our dry and arid climate, and they are costly and aggravating. It spent two weeks in our 88 Keys restoration shop and received the normal tuning and pitch-raises, minor action regulations and thorough cleaning of the interior. There is a music desk with a long sheet music lip so heavy books or long music charts can be accommodated. We are happy to offer a two-year warranty. It qualifies for a full trade-in too, for when you decide to move up to a better piano. The original, matching bench with music storage is included. Local, first-story professional delivery is included and so is one in-home tuning.

The touch is expressive and has a nice feel unlike nearly every other spinet ever built. The piano-action design enables a fairly wide dynamic range compared to taller models. Historically, most spinet piano-actions have used substandard plastic parts that eventually break and need replacing – all 88 of them! Baldwin has always built their Acrosonic piano-actions with traditional hardwood components like maple or hornbeam, and well-engineered designs. This instrument was built for the home and the family. Many are passed down from generation to generation. The unique design of its spinet piano made the Baldwin and Acrosonic range of models the most popular in American piano building history.

The Acrosonic was introduced to the public around 1936. Hence, the product name may have a dated marketing vibe to it, and perhaps, sound a little corny. But, at the time it was a modern and trendy brand name combining science and ancient history. Akros, a Greek word meaning extreme, summit or topmost, also meaning “expanded” in a way, became “Acro”. The Acropolis is the citadel at the summit or highest point of Athens, Greece. “Sonic” derives from Sonus in Greek and denotes “sound”. Therefore, the model’s name, Acrosonic refers to the “expanded sound” of this smaller piano. The name was patented and is registered in the US Patent Office.

Ready for the next performance.