The Steel and Stone Piano V2 is the latest creation from the innovative minds at Batten and Kamp, in collaboration with acclaimed pianist Henry Chu. This strikingly modern, fully functional electronic piano stands out as both a sculptural art piece and a musical instrument, and it is now available in an exclusive limited edition of just eight pieces plus four artist proofs.

The updated Steel and Stone Piano V2 features a refined design with hidden inputs, a minimal hinge, and the elegant addition of pink granite. The visual drama of stainless steel paired with natural granite gives each piano a distinctive, contemporary presence. Its articulated structure allows for both horizontal and upright configurations, making it adaptable to different spaces and styles. In the horizontal setup, the piano measures 1235mm wide, 250mm deep, and 1000mm high. When arranged upright, it stands 700mm wide, 250mm deep, and an impressive 1570mm high.

Designers: Batten and Kamp x Henry Chu

Batten and Kamp approached this project with their signature focus on simplicity, craftsmanship, and artistic impact. Every detail, from the seamless hinge to the carefully concealed inputs, reflects their dedication to minimalism and function. The pink granite not only adds visual contrast but also introduces a warm, organic touch to the piece’s cool, polished steel frame. Henry Chu’s influence ensures that the piano is not just beautiful to look at but also inspiring to play. The electronic keyboard delivers expressive, dynamic sound and playability, marrying the tactile joy of a traditional piano with the flexibility of modern technology.

Musicians and collectors alike will appreciate the instrument’s advanced specifications. The Steel and Stone Piano V2 is equipped with a high-quality MIDI keyboard, available in either 76-key (E-G) or 88-key (A-C) versions. It features hammer mechanics for a realistic piano feel, and supports MIDI note messages ranging from 28-103 (76 keys) or 21-108 (88 keys), complete with 127-step velocity sensitivity. Connectivity options include MIDI output, a USB interface, and a connector for a foot pedal, making the piano versatile for both performance and studio use.

Offered in a limited run, each Steel and Stone Piano V2 is a collectible work of art, individually crafted to the highest standards. Whether displayed as the centerpiece of a living space or used as a professional instrument, it invites admiration and conversation while delivering exceptional musical performance. For those seeking a piano that is as stunning visually as it is satisfying to play, the Steel and Stone Piano V2 by Batten and Kamp x Henry Chu represents a perfect fusion of art, design, and technology. With only a handful available worldwide, it stands as a rare opportunity to own a piece that redefines what a piano can be.

The post Steel and Stone Piano V2 brings art, music, and design together first appeared on Yanko Design.

Learning a new language is never easy, whether it’s human language, programming language, or harmonic language. It takes time, effort, and more importantly, drive to go through the process, but it doesn’t have to a be painful and dreadful experience all the time. Of the many strategies that make learning languages both fun and effective, Duolingo is perhaps the best-known service. What few people realize, however, is that the green owl has been teaching music for over a year now, applying the same principles it uses in teaching Spanish or Mandarin to do-re-mi’s. Unlike smartphones and spoken languages, however, music has to be played to really be learned, which is why Duolingo has come out with a small digital piano so that you can do that anywhere you are.

Designer: Loog x Duolingo

A piano isn’t the only instrument you can use to learn music, but it’s one of the most convenient and can be designed into an electric and portable form that doesn’t require minding strings that could break. You don’t even need a full-sized piano to get started, but you do need one that’s small enough to be carried around yet has a decent size and a decent sound as well. Rather than relying on a smartphone piano app that doesn’t give the same tactile experience, Duolingo teamed up with Loog, a popular brand of musical instruments for kids and beginners, to make one.

That’s what the Loog x Duolingo Piano brings to the table, figuratively and literally. It’s basically a special version of the Loog piano themed with Duolingo’s iconic green hue. It’s still the same piano made with solid wood panels that enhance the acoustics, making it sound almost like a real classical piano. It also has the same velocity-sensitive keys that implement proper dynamics, meaning that you can hit the keys harder to make the note sound louder, just like a real piano.

It’s not just a Duolingo-branded Loog piano, though, as this particular kit is designed with the easy-to-use and fun learning service in mind. There’s a wooden phone stand that matches the aesthetics of the piano, perfect for holding up the phone while you learn and play. And for a more offline learning experience, the package includes Piano Flashcards as well.

The Loog x Duolingo Piano is more than just a simple digital piano. It can be used as a MIDI controller when connected to an instrument via its USB-C port, and there are also ports not just for headphones but also for pedals and octave shifters. It might look like a kid’s toy, but this piano definitely has the guts to stand proudly as a proper musical instrument so that its use doesn’t stop after you’ve already mastered everything Duolingo has to teach.

The post Loog x Duolingo portable piano teaches you the language of music, the fun way first appeared on Yanko Design.