Bentley 6 octave

Colour: Oak Satin
Year: TBC

The Bentley 6-octave mini upright is a compact, charming piano with a shorter keyboard span than a standard instrument, making it an excellent choice for younger beginners, very small spaces, or buyers seeking a characterful and affordable entry into acoustic piano ownership. Priced at £1,795 and finished in oak satin, this unusual instrument combines practicality with period appeal.

Six-octave uprights like this Bentley are increasingly rare and are particularly well suited to small rooms, children learning to play, or those wanting a distinctive instrument with a more manageable footprint. This example has been assessed by our team at The Piano Gallery.

Available to purchase online or to try in person at our Oxfordshire showroom. Contact us for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 6-octave piano, and is the shorter keyboard a problem?

A 6-octave piano has 73 keys rather than the standard 88, which makes the instrument physically narrower and lighter. For a young beginner or home player working through early and intermediate grades, the reduced range is not a practical problem -- the vast majority of beginner and intermediate repertoire falls well within this compass. As a student advances to higher grades, the full 88-note range becomes increasingly important, so a 6-octave piano is best suited to younger or casual players rather than advancing students.

Is this a good piano for a young child?

Yes, it can be an excellent choice for a young child. The smaller keyboard width is actually well suited to smaller hands, the lighter cabinet is easier to accommodate in a family home, and the accessible price means the financial risk of buying a first piano is lower. Many parents find a 6-octave piano a sensible starting point for a young child, with the intention of upgrading to a full-sized instrument as their playing develops.

What makes the oak satin finish unusual?

Oak is a much less common finish on pianos than the standard black polyester, mahogany, or walnut. It gives this Bentley a lighter, more Scandinavian aesthetic that suits modern interiors, pale wood floors, and rooms where black or brown would feel too heavy. It is genuinely distinctive and makes this a more individual instrument visually as well as tonally.

How does this compare to a digital keyboard for a young beginner?

An acoustic piano provides a properly weighted, hammer-action touch that entry-level digital keyboards cannot replicate. Learning on a real acoustic instrument from the start builds better finger strength, more sensitive touch, and a more natural relationship with the sound. Even a modest acoustic upright like this Bentley is preferable to a non-weighted or lightly weighted digital keyboard for developing correct technique.

How long will a Bentley 6-octave piano last?

A well-maintained Bentley upright should continue to give reliable service for many years. These are solid, practical instruments, and with regular tuning and sensible placement away from extremes of heat and damp, this piano will remain playable and enjoyable for a long time to come.