LEGO Ideas has revealed its biggest set yet, 21323 Grand Piano. The massive musical model comes with 3,662 pieces that make up the 25-key keyboard, sleek black lid and body, working internal hammers, and even an original composition. The set will retail for US $349.99 | CA $449.99 | UK £319.99 beginning August 1st (becoming the most expensive LEGO Ideas set ever).
The Grand Piano comes with a motor, smart hub, and sensor used to connect to the LEGO Powered Up app which creates the sound. The piano can be played in either a “self-play” toy piano mode where hitting any key produces the next note in a selected song, or in an “auto-play” mode where the piano moves randomized keys while the app produces music like a player piano.
The Brothers Brick got an early preview of the Grand Piano from the LEGO Ideas design team, so we have included some interesting facts and quotes about the set throughout the article below.
The LEGO Grand Piano comes in a large black box like most every other premium set targeted at adults this year. The box includes a stylized golden “Grand Piano” logo in the upper left corner.
The completed LEGO Grand Piano model features a 25-key keyboard, moving pedals, propped-open top lid and fallboard, moving hammers and damper, and an adjustable bench. A 6×6 printed tile is included with an original song called “Playday” composed by Donny Chen, a music teacher and the original fan designer of the set. Another printed black 2×2 tile features a vintage LEGO logo in metallic gold placed where a real concert piano’s brand would be featured.
The piano measures over 12 inches wide (30.5 cm), 13.5 inches deep (35.5 cm) and 8.5 inches high (22.5 cm) with the lid closed.
LEGO Design Lead Sam Johnson: “The entire model weighs around two kilos (~4.4 lbs), and we had to figure out how to balance all that on three wheels while still being stable.”
LEGO Designer Chee Woon Tze: “In terms of size and shape, this LEGO Ideas Grand Piano is very similar to the original submission because we really wanted to give fans what they voted for. We did change many of the build techniques so it would pass our quality control and to add an extra something from LEGO. In this case, we’ve added the Powered Up functions so the piano can actually make music, rather than just being able to play the keys silently like the original.”
On the inside, LEGO opted to use gold flex tube rather than fabric strings to resemble the metallic piano strings in a real concert grand. The set also includes several newly recolored elements in black for the first time.
LEGO Designer Chee Woon Tze: “We tried to make the LEGO piano look as real as possible. The underside is actually built using wood-like coloring to mimic a real concert piano and to introduce a little bit more color into the model than just black.”
The key functionality has been completely redesigned from the original submission, seen here in a side view showing how pressing the keys and the fulcrum works inside the piano. This sub-assembly will be repeated 25 times to complete the full keyboard.
With all 25 keys assembled, the completed keyboard slides into the housing.
The keyboard and strings are removable to access the inner workings of the LEGO piano, including the Powered Up hub, motor and sensor. The set comes with all the Powered Up components needed to “play” the piano and motorize it. All that is required out of the box are six AAA batteries for the hub.
The Powered Up app has been updated to show sheet music as the piano plays, so a phone can be put in place of the printed tile to play one of five songs once paired with the Hub. Though the specific songs have not been announced, TBB was able to identify two songs during the preview including Beethoven’s Für Elise and Johann Sebastian Bach’s Prelude in C Major. The third confirmed song is fan designer Donny Chen’s “Playday.” (We have a sneaking suspicion that one of the last two playable songs will be Happy Birthday.)
[Edit: LEGO has shared that the five final “self-play” songs will include “Für Elise” by Beethoven, “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Happy Birthday,” “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Mery Christmas.” We hope that this song selection will be expanded in the future.]
The piano can be played in either a “self-play” toy piano mode (where hitting any key produces the next note in a selected song) or in an “auto-play” mode (where the piano moves randomized keys while the app produces music like a player piano).
The ten auto-play songs include:
- “Playday” by Donny Chen
- “Prelude in C Major” by Johann S. Bach
- “Passacaille for Piano” by G. F. Handel
- “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven
- “Widmung” by Franz Liszt
- “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy
- “I Got Rhythm” by George Gershwin
- “Happy Birthday to You”
- “Jingle Bells” by Pierpont
- “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”
[Edit: “The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin was included in the designer video, however it appears the list has been updated since that was initially filmed. We hope the app will be periodically updated to provide even more songs every so often.]
LEGO Design Lead Sam Johnson: “Our piano doesn’t have a ‘natural piano’ function where you play the keys as if they were real because that would have been prohibitively complicated to produce as a LEGO set. We’ve created more of a music function that we’ve found people enjoy quite a lot and is similar to the capabilities of other toy pianos.”
LEGO Designer Chee Woon Tze: “It was actually quite a conscious decision that we made it that way. We wanted both kids and adults to be able to make music with it as soon as they are done building it, regardless of their ability to play a real piano. You don’t need to know how too play music with this, all you need to do is press the keys.”
LEGO Design Lead Sam Johnson: “We also know that it’s possible to hack the Powered Up app, so I think we’ll definitely see people doing their own custom stuff with it, and we welcome that.”
The following video shows the LEGO Grand Piano in action, though it does not depict the actual sounds the piano will make.
LEGO Designer Chee Woon Tze: “Everything about producing this model was a challenge, which is why the initial LEGO Ideas review decision was delayed. Every piece in there is so interconnected and precisely measured that if we made a change there would be ripple effect throughout the entire model. That was particularly challenging in terms of incorporating the technology and making the casing in a way that would be enjoyable to build.”
When placed on an actual grand piano, you really start to see how massive the LEGO version really is.
LEGO Ideas 21323 Grand Piano comes with 3,662 pieces for US $349.99 | CA $449.99 | UK £319.99 with global availability beginning August 1st.
What do you think of the new LEGO Grand Piano? Do you want to make sweet music with this LEGO set? Or do you want to hack the Powered Up app to make the piano play anything you want? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
The complete press release from LEGO, full product details and an expanded photo gallery are included below.
21323 LEGO Ideas Grand Piano
Ages 18+. 3,662 pieces
US $349.99 | CA $449.99 | DE €349.99 | UK £319.99 | FR €349.99 | DK 2699.0DKK
Build the first-ever playable LEGO Grand Piano!
Do you have a passion for music? Do you like to relax by focusing on a fun, hands-on project in your free time? If so, this incredible LEGO Ideas Grand Piano model kit (21323) is just the creative activity for you.
Beautiful and playable: Feel the pride of building a sophisticated, brick-built version of a concert grand piano that you can actually play music with! Recreate the hammer action of each piano key, the moving pedal and authentic details such as the propped-open top lid and fallboard. Turn on the motor and then you are all set to play wonderful music – select user play on the free LEGO Powered Up app to play the notes yourself or activate auto play and just listen.
LEGO sets for your lifestyle: Take some time out and enjoy creating a LEGO musical masterpiece to display in your home or workplace. Part of a collection of LEGO building sets for adults, it makes a truly special birthday present or Christmas gift for yourself, the musician, piano player or hobbyist in your life.
- Drum roll please as we proudly introduce the first-ever, playable LEGO Grand Piano! Experience the hands-on pleasure of creating a highly sophisticated LEGO concert piano model and then play beautiful music with it.
- The LEGO Ideas Grand Piano (21323) has a removable 25-key keyboard, authentic hammer action, moving dampers and pedal, and motor. Combined with the LEGO Powered Up app, you can play a tune yourself or automatically.
- Revel in the authentic design details of this beautiful model, from the top lid that can be propped up just like a real grand piano’s, to the opening fallboard and piano leg wheels, plus a height-adjustable bench.
- If you are looking for a creative DIY project, this 3,662-piece model building kit is ideal for you. So, take some time out and click your stress away with a rewarding challenge that will leave you feeling revitalized.
- The piano measures over 8.5” (22.5cm) high, 12” (30.5cm) wide and 13.5” (35.5cm) deep when closed. A stylish item for your home or workplace, it also makes a cool gift for musicians, music-lovers, pianists and hobbyists.
- To power up the grand piano’s self-playing function, you’ll need 6 AAA batteries (not included) and the free LEGO Powered Up app – choose user play to play the notes yourself or auto play to listen to 1 of 4 songs.
- Clear instructions help you to build with confidence and really enjoy the process, even if you are a LEGO newcomer. Also included is a coffee-table-style booklet about this grand piano set’s fan designer and more.
- This LEGO Ideas building set for adults is part of a collection of inspiring model kits designed for the discerning hobbyist who relishes an immersive, hands-on DIY project.
- Since 1958, LEGO building bricks have met the highest industry standards, which ensures they are consistent, compatible and connect and pull apart easily every time.
- LEGO bricks and pieces are rigorously tested to meet exacting safety and quality standards, so you can be sure that this collectible grand piano model is as robust as it is beautiful.
Available directly from LEGO Stores & LEGO.com from 1st August, 2020
FEEL THE RHYTHM WITH THE SPECTACULAR FAN-DESIGNED LEGO IDEAS GRAND PIANO SET
Imagined by an avid LEGO builder, the LEGO Group’s brand-new LEGO Ideas Grand Piano is a show-stopping set for adult music lovers and builders – available from 1st August from LEGO.com and LEGO Stores.
23rd July 2020: A dazzling idea from a keen LEGO builder and music enthusiast, has now been brought to life after receiving overwhelming demand from the public – as the LEGO Group launches the brand-new LEGO Ideas Grand Piano set. The latest product is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which conceptualizes and produces the creative wonders imagined and voted for by LEGO fans themselves.
Designed with the intricate elements of a real grand piano, this brand-new set is a fully immersive build. With a clever motor and working keys, when the set is combined with the LEGO Powered Up app, fans can become musical maestros one brick and one note at a time – making it The LEGO Group’s first-ever piano set with the ability to play music.
Talented builders can try their hand at creating their own masterpiece on the LEGO Ideas Grand Piano using the LEGO Powered Up app, which allows them full control of the musical notes and piano keys. Alternatively, those looking to sit back and relax can choose to select ‘auto-play’ and enjoy the dulcet tones of one of the ten pre-set songs available.
The brand-new set is a masterpiece of craft and innovation, featuring all the makings of a real-life grand piano to give an authentic musical experience in LEGO brick-form. These authentic features include a removable 25-key keyboard, a top lid that can be propped up, an authentic hammer action and a moving damper and pedal, which help to make the LEGO Ideas Grand Piano as beautiful as it is functional.
Once built, the 3,662-piece LEGO Ideas Grand Piano is made to take center stage as a spectacular display model for any room, measuring over 8.5” (22.5cm) high, 12” (30.5cm) wide and 13.5” (35.5cm) deep when closed.
The new grand piano set is part of the LEGO Ideas collection, which offers fans the opportunity to submit their own brick creations with the chance to have their concept brought to life with the help of LEGO master designers and a share of the profits. Other recent LEGO Ideas sets inspired by LEGO fans, include the LEGO Ideas Pirated of Barracuda Bay and the LEGO Ideas Friends Central Perk.
Imagined by music teacher and LEGO aficionado Donny Chen, this set was designed as a way for him to combine his passion for music with his passion for building. To add to the excitement and personal feel of the build, the LEGO Ideas Grand Piano even features a music sheet composed by Donny himself.
Speaking about the process, Donny Chen said: “When I’m not building with LEGO bricks, I’m teaching, tuning or writing music on my piano. So, when I first discovered LEGO Ideas, I knew I wanted to build something that not only combined my two passions, but also looked visually stunning. It’s truly an honor to see my idea brought to life by the talented people at the LEGO Group and I hope it brings joy to all the other music fans who voted for the idea on the LEGO Ideas platform.”
Federico Begher, VP of Global Marketing at The LEGO Group added: “We get so many amazing concepts submitted through our LEGO Ideas platform, but when we saw Donny’s piano design it really stood out as something extraordinary, with great potential to become a truly unique LEGO set.
The accompanying images and video submitted by Donny really sparked some ideas within the team. We believed that including power functions as part of the model to enable the set to play real music in real life would elevate the design even further. We simply could not pass on the opportunity to create the ultimate LEGO Ideas Grand Piano model for music and LEGO fans alike!”
The new LEGO Ideas Grand Piano set is the latest example of how the LEGO Group aims to inspire builders of all ages to build, rebuild and get excited by the process of creation.
LEGO Ideas Grand Piano will be available directly via LEGO.com and LEGO Stores from August 1st.
That’s an underwhelming use of power functions if all you do is detect that any key as been pressed. I wish they left that our as an option and sold it for 100$ less.
Think it’s the moonlight sonata :D
Many thanks for the interview which clarifies what certainly isn’t clear from the press release – that you can’t actually play this like a real piano, which imho makes the Powered Up integration rather pointless, just adding a lot extra to the price as well as to the thickness of the model.
The fact that they put together a demo video, and then played background music over the whole thing, instead of letting us hear the piano, is NOT a good sign…
Hopefully there will be enough room to mod this to use like a real piano.
I think this is awesome! Nice of Lego to do some things that aren’t buildings or cars, I loved the marble maze and the storybook ideas sets too. The price/piece count is kind of amazing considering the app development cost, motor, etc.
Having a bunch of new/recolored parts in black is never a bad thing either.
@Isaac Izen
Sounds like a tight fit, is it even possible to push all the keys separately? If so, I’d guess it to be electronically possible, though, such as having each key correspond to a certain sound file, with the abilty to play them simultaneously. Something programmed like that…
I don’t really understand the disparaging comments here. I think this is a great idea and to make a plastic brick-built toy (cos that is what Lego really is) produce actual music is still quite impressive. And it looks good too. I will definitely pre-order.
@Drew, I think people are disappointed because it doesn’t produce music- the phone does, and it doesn’t match the keys a user would strike. It’s pre-programmed, so there’s not any actual function as a piano to produce your own custom sounds.
So for a display model, it’s fantastic, but not at the price tag. Most people won’t be utilizing the phone app more than maybe once or twice after they first buy it, so the electric functions are excessive for excessive’s sake, and drive the cost up needlessly.
Perhaps a better solution would have been a lower price, open model that could be modded to include power functions for those who want it.