Skip to main content

News University New: Interchangeable Keyboard for Steinway D

Photo: Prof. Ulrich Hench, Source: HfM

Following a three-year trial of a SIRIUS 6.0 keyboard in a Steinway practice grand piano, Nuremberg University of Music has decided to introduce the system permanently. In future, a large Steinway Model D concert grand piano with an interchangeable SIRIUS 6.0 keyboard will be available in the chamber music hall. This makes Nuremberg the second European music academy, after Stuttgart, to be equipped with this system.

An 'interchangeable keyboard' based on the SIRIUS 6.0 model will ensure greater equality at concerts and examinations in future. Although the octaves are only half a key narrower, this significantly improves playability for pianists with medium or smaller hand spans.

Studies and surveys show that up to 90% of women and 25% of men would benefit from narrower keyboards. Frequently reported experiences include more relaxed hands, greater tonal freedom and stamina. Narrower keyboards also allow a greater choice of repertoire and help to prevent overstraining during practice and performance.

The 'interchangeable keyboard' is a duplicate of the original action equipped with a narrower SIRIUS 6.0 keyboard. This enables the grand piano to be played with either the standard 6.5-inch keyboard or the SIRIUS 6.0 keyboard.

The interchangeable action was manufactured and fitted by Steingraeber, a piano manufacturer based in Bayreuth. A special feature is the exchange and storage container specially developed for this purpose, which enables one person to exchange the movements.

The inauguration of the interchangeable mechanism will take place on 18 April 2026 at 5 pm in the Chamber Music Hall.

Further information about our SIRIUS 6.0 grand pianos can be found here.