Alt text / image descriptions are available for the images in this post.
A unique Powered Up set that is System and not a train! With the motion sensor – never before seen outside of education kits – this piano is “almost playable.” Read on to see what we meant by that, and spoilers for pianists: this model has simple escapement and aftertouch!

[Review products provided by the LEGO Group but all opinions are our own and honest – we don’t have to praise sets to keep receiving them. #gifted]
Cover page fold image by starline on Freepik and piano action model image from steinway.com; chair image from total-piano-care.com.


Alt text:
The adjustable chair is a Technic core cloaked with a studless exterior. The completely upside-down top is connected to the rest by the scissors lift, and bears a remarkable resemblance to real leather cushions. Adjust the height by turning the knob on either side – just like the real thing.
A video showing the height adjustment in action.
A picture of real piano chairs for comparison.
Alt text:
The removable and openable parts of a real piano are all present and function similarly. Only the right pedal has function though. Pieces with round edges to guide the inserts. The hatch on the side is to access the Powered Up hub and activate the electronic functions.
A video showing its modularities.
Alt text:
The Powered Up app is required, since it's your own device playing the sound thru Bluetooth connection to the hub.
In the LISTEN mode, the keys move in a fixed pattern automatically by the motor (not corresponding to the actual music played). The sound of the motor is still too loud for a reasonable player piano though. 20 musical pieces available.
In the PLAY mode, the rhythm can be controlled by the keys (with slight delay), but not the pitch, the duration, nor the dynamics. 9 musical pieces available.
Since the next correct note plays regard-
less of the key hit, anyone can “play.” You can also choose to press the right keys yourself.
A video demonstrating the PLAY mode using “twinkle twinkle little star.”
Alt text:
Techniques score: 5 out of 5
3 long axles span across the width, making functions work: the first two bob, and the 3rd one is driven by the motor to rotate and move the keys when in LISTEN mode. In PLAY mode, when a key is pressed, the 1st axle is lifted by the lever along with the dampers above. This moves the red half beams into the vision of the sensor so the app plays a note.
A picture showing the location of the 3 axles mentioned.
A video showing how a key raises the damper and the 1st axle.
Alt text:
The dampers can be lifted one by one through the lever of the corresponding key, or all at once by the rightmost pedal through linkage. A 1x2x2 window provides the opening for the linkage to go through.
A video showing the pedal raising the dampers all at once.
The satisfying soft close lid is achieved by simply using friction pins in combination with the appropriate weight for the lid.
A video showing the soft close lid.
Alt text:
Accuracy score: 5 out of 5
Key: a long brick balancing on an upside-down ice cream cone and supported by curved bricks. This allows it to move, throw the free-moving hammer with the brown pin hole on top to hit the string, and lift the damper with the red tile in the back when pressed down.
Impressive recreation of the “touch”: when pressed slowly, we see it’s the final jerk that propels the hammer to strike suddenly. This is possible due to the extra height of the connector lip for the pin hole to overcome.
A video showcasing how the a is put on to the ice cream cone element, and how it propels its corresponding hammer.
In auto-play, the motor rotates the 3rd axle and the beams to move the key.

Comments