What if...

[rachmaninoff_forever]

You know how there's 88 keys on the piano?  What if the keys were divided by 1/4th steps rather than half steps?  So that would be 176 keys!  Wouldn't that be kool?  It would open up so many possibilities for composing!

I don't know, that's just a thought.

[j_menz]

I have quite enough trouble with 88. 

[p2u_]

You know how there's 88 keys on the piano?  What if the keys were divided by 1/4th steps rather than half steps?  So that would be 176 keys!  Wouldn't that be kool?  It would open up so many possibilities for composing!

I don't know, that's just a thought.

Just imagine: how are you going to teach a beginner? As it is now, you can start with a C scale and don't even have to explain anything theoretically. You will also have to relearn the whole existing repertoire, fingering, etc.

P.S.: Actually, attempts to "improve" upon the existing 88-keys keyboard have been made. There is, for example, the Paul Jankó keyboard (1882) with 264 keys, but it didn't become popular, mainly because of the reasons I mentioned. If this is ever to happen, it will probably only benefit the composers and maybe the listeners, but certainly not the performers. Although... I read somewhere that composers would rather get rid of the performer anyway to remove certain limits in physical execution, so it could all be "for the best"...

Paul

[j_menz]

I read somewhere that composers would rather get rid of the performer anyway to remove certain limits in physical execution

Or to remove certain impediments to collecting more of the royalties.

[ajspiano]

What if the keys were divided by 1/4th steps rather than half steps?  So that would be 176 keys!  Wouldn't that be kool?

If you get a violin and you'll likely play all the subtle variations in between, despite still using a 12 note chromatic scale.

I actually have a friend who does electronic composition and maps the change in temperament throughout the piece to maintain perfect harmony despite modulations.

[j_menz]

If you get a violin and you'll likely play all the subtle variations in between, despite still using a 12 note chromatic scale.

In my (very) limited experience with the violin, I managed to get most of the subtle variations between while avoiding the 12 note chromatic scale almost entirely. 

[austinarg]

Not even Rachmaninoff's hands would be able to play even a fifth in a piano like this.

[silverwoodpianos]

Quarter tone piano;

here

[silverwoodpianos]

Quarter tone piano;

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=quarter+tone+piano&oq=quarter+tone&aq=0&aqi=g10&aql=&gs_l=youtube.1.0.0l10.989.5379.0.7410.12.12.0.0.0.0.115.467.9j3.12.0...0.0.848fl07YXaw

[keys60]

I'm finally getting proficient in piano tuning and you want to screw up my world? Thanks alot. 

[49410enrique]

 
as you were.

[rachmaninoff_forever]

 
as you were.

I'm not embarrassed by this one.

I STILL think it's a kool idea!

So you'll have to find another one kid!

[49410enrique]

I'm not embarrassed by this one.

I STILL think it's a kool idea!

So you'll have to find another one kid!