Acoustic Piano
Una Corda Piano

Acoustic Piano for Nils Frahm

The Una Corda Piano design departs from the traditional concept of acoustic pianos that consist of the technical piano surrounded by a furniture casing. The Una Corda design strictly focuses on the functional aspects of the instrument, the sound quality and the mechanical properties. For amplifying piano strings only the soundboard is relevant, stripping the instrument of a case allows the sound to travel freely to the listeners. The mechanical parts being visible adds to the educational experience whilst playing the piano, offering an insight into how the audible tone is actually created.

Klavins Piano 2021 Startup Silver Press Kit № 122682

Download Press Kit № 122682

Download Press Kit № 122682 Acoustic Piano for Nils Frahm by Klavins Piano to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.


Available Now for Your Next Story

At innovation|newsroom, we understand the pressures and deadlines journalists face. That’s why we offer exclusive access to our curated press kits and high-resolution images, tailored for accredited journalists. These resources are designed to enrich your stories with depth and visual appeal, spotlighting the world's most innovative designs.


Please Note:

  • Credit the work's creator and/or photographer.
  • Mention innovation|newsroom as your source.
  • Share your published pieces with us; we love to celebrate and promote your work on our platform and social media.

Let’s Collaborate: Your stories matter. innovation|newsroom is here to support you with quality, accessible content. Once you are accredited, reach out for the images and content you need. We will provide the specific images and content directly, along with recommendations on works to feature.


Get Accredited Easily: Quick access to our resources requires media accreditation. Apply for media accreditation to join our network and start exploring a wealth of design stories.


Una Corda by Klavins Piano
Una Corda by Klavins Piano

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. Download watermark-free, high-res images with your press credentials, or opt for an immediate low-res download. Consult the Image Credits Section for information on photo credits.

Acoustic Piano by Klavins Piano
Acoustic Piano by Klavins Piano

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Harness the clarity of this 1800-pixel image for your prints—perfectly sharp at 6 inches with 300 DPI and equally clear at 12 inches when adjusted to 150 DPI. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Klavins Piano Una Corda
Klavins Piano Una Corda

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

With an 1800-pixel resolution, create stunning prints up to 6 inches at 300 DPI, or expand your storytelling to 12 inches with a clear outcome at 150 DPI. Press accreditation unlocks high-res images without watermarks. Need something now? Download a low-res image instantly. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Klavins Piano Acoustic Piano
Klavins Piano Acoustic Piano

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

Maximize the potential of this 1800-pixel image: at 300 DPI, it delivers exceptional detail up to 6 inches, while at 150 DPI, it offers clarity for prints up to 12 inches. Press credentials grant access to download high-res, watermark-free images. Alternatively, download a low-res version instantly. For attribution details, see the Image Credits Section.

Nils FrahmBrand Logo
Nils FrahmBrand Logo

Download 1800 Pixels JPEG Image.

This 1800-pixel image adapts to your print needs: sharp and detailed at 6 inches with 300 DPI, it transitions smoothly to 12 inches at 150 DPI, preserving visual quality. With press accreditation, enjoy watermark-free, high-res downloads. Low-res images are available immediately for all. Acknowledgements for photographs are in the Image Credits Section.

Press Kit
Una Corda Piano Acoustic Piano Media Articles

Utilize our prepared articles to feature Una Corda Piano, available in the languages: Hindi, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), English, Spanish, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, German, French, Portuguese and Dutch.


Unique Properties

The Una Corda piano represents an open design, without a furniture "box", which serves for its sound to freely travel. It has only one string per tone, a stainless steel frame, and a double-layer soundboard, these features setting it aside from any traditional acoustic piano.

Tags

Una Corda, Una Corda Piano, Klavins, Klavins Piano, Piano Innovation

Production Technology

The Una Corda design is strictly defined by the acoustic and technical properties of the piano, utilizing materials that serve best for each particular function. Stainless steel for the static frame serves for the lightness of the design, versus the heavy designs of traditional pianos, which all are equipped with cast iron frames. The Una Corda is completely hand-crafted, utilizing industry manufactured parts only for the action. The Una Corda is essentially a "green"product, no chemicals used.

Design Challenge

A major challenge was to define the most suitable material for the main frame of the Una Corda. All traditional pianos utilize a cast-iron frame, which was prohibitive for the Una Corda, for reasons of weight and cost. After thorough research of alternative materials like steel and aluminum, stainless steel showed most suitable, to pick up the string tension that sums up to 49 kN. Historically there has never existed an open-design acoustic piano, but in light of the rather open-minded public of the 21st century it seems appropriate to offer an innovative product design.

Project Duration

The project was started in February 2014 in Balingen, Germany, and basically finished by May 2015 in Germany, though it was finally completed in every detail only in December 2020 in Kuldiga, Latvia.

Operation Flow

The Una Corda technically is played like traditional pianos, though based on its open design the player can follow the mechanical process of each note pressed. The sound character differs from any other existing piano by means of softness and clarity of tone, because of the one-string-per-note principle, the specific soundboard design, and the specific hammer felt. The action is modified to play faster than typical upright piano actions allow for.

Research

Materials and design research, the objective being to design a piano that reflects the 21st century feel. Investigating existing piano designs by Internet search and based on years of experience with traditional piano design, as well as meticulous analysis of all factors pertinent to piano sound. Building a first prototype, evaluating its weaknesses and applying needed improvements. The final result constitutes a disruptive, strictly functional piano design, aiming to appeal to a public open for innovation on a field of generally rather conservative attitudes.

Inspiration

Frequently clients were asking for a softer sounding piano, compared to the traditional acoustic pianos. In the course of researching piano acoustics, I decided to strip the piano from any and all unnecessary features, invent a new, softer soundboard, and to build a piano by the strict principle of "form follows function" - the one-string-per-note Una Corda piano.

Image Credits

David Klavins Video Credits: Native Instruments, Berlin

Project Overview

Una Corda Piano Acoustic Piano has been a Silver winner in the Musical Instruments Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

 Award Logo
Silver Recognition

Klavins Piano was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Una Corda Piano Acoustic Piano.

Newsroom
Klavins Piano Newsroom

Access Klavins Piano Newsroom for exclusive insights into distinguished design and laureled projects.

You are currently viewing Media Showcase № 122682. Access Klavins Piano's comprehensive newsroom for a deep dive into their award-winning portfolio, including media assets and much more. Welcome to Press Kit / Media Showcase 122682 on Una Corda Piano. Discover additional content in Newsroom 303420.

Explore Now

Harp E Electro Acoustic Harp
Harp E

Electro Acoustic Harp for Joris Beets Design

Joris Beets 2023 Professional Silver
Black Hole Multifunctional Guitar
Black Hole

Multifunctional Guitar for Pouladvar Design Group

Pouladvar 2019 Agency Silver
Whaletone Grand Hybrid Piano Musical Instrument
Whaletone Grand Hybrid Piano

Musical Instrument for Whaletone LTD

Robert Majkut 2023 Professional Golden
Type V Travel Electric Guitar
Type V

Travel Electric Guitar for 2A instruments

Vladimir Shorin 2022 Professional Silver
Shatron Mute for Trumpet
Shatron

Mute for Trumpet for CIAUD - Research Centre for Architecture, Urbanism and Design

E.Aparo, L.Soares, J.Teixeira, J.Passos 2020 Collaboration Iron
Spark Travel Guitar
Spark

Travel Guitar for Maxwell Brazo

Maxwell Brazo 2022 Professional Bronze
Aurora Synthesizer
Aurora

Synthesizer for Arena Design Academy

Mohamad Montazeri 2021 Academic Bronze
Hex Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer
Hex

Digital Polyphonic Synthesizer for Hex Haus

Anze Sekelj 2024 Professional Iron
Zikit Diameter Change Mechanism
Zikit

Diameter Change Mechanism for Zikit Drums

Oz Shenhar 2020 Professional Bronze
Aspen Tripod Head
Aspen

Tripod Head for Colorado Tripod Company

Colorado Tripod Company 2021 Startup Silver
Argus Nanosensors Inside Plants
Argus

Nanosensors Inside Plants for Parsons School of Design

Harpreet Singh Sareen 2021 Academic Silver
Less is More Chair
Less is More

Chair for Roberta Rampazzo

Roberta Rampazzo 2022 Professional Silver
Create Newsroom
Create Your Newsroom

Establishing your own newsroom is a strategic move to effectively communicate your designs to a targeted audience of journalists and media editors. This direct channel enhances your visibility, significantly increasing your chances of being published and featured across a wide range of media platforms, from magazines and newspapers to journals and online media. Take the first step towards amplifying your reach and influence in the design community.

Create Media Account
Create Account to Unlock Exclusive Resources
  • High-resolution images for your stories
  • Ready-to-publish press kits
  • Access to exclusive content

Quick sign-up. Instant access. Elevate your reporting now.

Create Newsroom
Submit Your Design

Submit your design and seize the opportunity to be featured across a global stage. Gain exposure by connecting your work with our extensive network of journalists and leading media outlets. Start your journey to worldwide recognition today.

Unlock Exclusive Journalistic Resources

Join our community of leading journalists and gain immediate access to premium content, in-depth design insights, and exclusive interviews.

Create Your Journalist Account

Featured Now

Design of the Day
DESIGN OF THE DAY
Design Team of the Day
DESIGN TEAM OF THE DAY
Design Legend of the Day
DESIGN LEGEND OF THE DAY
Design Highlight of the Day
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY
Design Interview of the Day
DESIGN INTERVIEW OF THE DAY
Designer of the Day
DESIGNER OF THE DAY