Most of us are familiar with the timeless elegance of a classic grand piano in its glossy black finish or the compact charm of an upright piano. But beyond these traditional styles lies a world of creativity and innovation. Around the globe, piano makers are experimenting with unusual piano designs that push the boundaries of both art and engineering.
From transparent acrylic bodies to sculptural, futuristic frames, these unique piano case designs prove that a piano can be as visually captivating as it is musically inspiring. Among the most striking examples are the extraordinary creations by renowned makers Blüthner and Fazioli, whose modern interpretations blend craftsmanship, luxury, and bold design.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of these innovative piano designs. Perfect for getting a sense for seeing how far creativity and a combination of disciplines can go!
Unusual Piano Designs That Exude Craftsmanship and Creativity
Kengo Kuma
The Kengo Kuma piano by Fazioli is a stunning example of how architecture and music can inspire something that blends genres, blends disciplines, and results in a single and unique work of art. Crafted from layered sheets of Hinoki wood, the design reflects the minimalist warmth and organic textures that are hallmarks of the celebrated Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.
According to Fazioli, the piano was created to evoke the same emotions and aesthetics as the projected Alberni Street Tower in Vancouver, an architectural masterpiece also designed by Kuma. The result is a piano that visually feels alive, with each wooden layer flowing like music and visually evoking waves of sound.
This one-of-a-kind instrument was custom-built for a private client, embodying the spirit of innovation that defines both Fazioli’s craftsmanship and Kuma’s architectural philosophy. This piano is more than just a musical instrument. It’s a sculptural statement piece. A unique instrument that blends together the worlds of music, design, and architecture.
M. Liminal Piano
Another example of an unusually designed piano is the M. Liminal, produced by Fazioli.
The M. Liminal piano is an extraordinary reinterpretation of the classic grand piano design—where tradition meets the future. Created through a collaboration between NYT Line and designer Philippe Gendre, this instrument embodies a bold, futuristic piano design that challenges expectations of what a piano should look like.
With its sleek, asymmetrical curves and sculptural lines, the M. Liminal looks more like a piece of contemporary art than a conventional instrument. Yet beneath its avant-garde exterior lies the precision engineering and acoustic excellence that Fazioli is known for.
This unusual piano design was perhaps inspired by the fluid forms of modern architecture and the dynamic motion of sound waves, resulting in a visually captivating piece. For pianists and design lovers alike, the M. Liminal is as a great example of how innovation and creativity can result in an unusual design and a unique creation!
Blüthner’s “Crystal Edition” Piano
When it comes to unusually designed instruments, the Crystal Edition pianos from Blüthner stand out as a fascinating example. Where typical grand pianos sport a traditional case in wood or polished veneer, this series reveals the mechanics of the instrument: its strings, soundboard and internal architecture: with a near-transparent or semi-transparent case.
Key Features & Design Highlights
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Each Crystal Edition piano is hand-crafted in Leipzig, Germany by Blüthner’s factory, ensuring that the company’s long heritage of piano building remains intact even in this avant-garde expression.
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The case work uses high-grade acrylic or similar transparent materials, engineered so that the piano appears “weightless” or “floating” while still maintaining structural integrity. For example, the “iDyllic” model is described by Blüthner as featuring “an ultra low-profile rim” so the soundboard, strings and plate appear suspended.
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Bespoke customisation: clients can choose from a wide array of finishes, colours, LED illumination, and even bespoke artwork integrated into the case. As the website puts it: “Create your own personal expression… personalised artwork, bespoke patterns, hand-painted portraits or a cityscape of your choice.”
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The category of “Crystal” includes sub-models like Elegance, Idyllic, Hive, Translucid and Quadrille (for uprights) — each offering a different interpretation of transparency and design.
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Technically, while the outer shell is radical, the inner piano remains a world-class Blüthner instrument, combining their known tonal qualities, action design and craftsmanship under this bold exterior.
Why It Matters
In the context of unusual piano designs, the Crystal Edition does more than just look different. By removing or radically altering the traditional wooden case and replacing it with a transparent shell, it invites the viewer (and player) to see music happening: the hammers moving, the strings vibrating, the soundboard resonating. It becomes both a musical instrument and a sculptural object.
For interior designers, architects or high-end residences, this means the piano is no longer hidden away. The instrument becomes a unique focal piece, a conversation starter and a union of technology, luxury and performance.
Placement & Audience
Given the bespoke nature, high craftsmanship and customisation options, these pianos are most suited for luxury homes, showrooms, performance spaces, or design-focused environments where the visual impact is as important as the musical one. They stand beside other “art case” pianos in being both instruments and design statements.
