The Steinway Dolce Pedal

The Dolce Pedal is a patented innovation exclusive to Steinway upright pianos, transforming the mechanical possibilities of the instrument. Unlike a conventional upright soft pedal — which moves only the hammers closer to the strings and introduces a disorienting gap in the action — Steinway’s mechanism raises both the hammers and the lower action components in tandem, eliminating lost motion entirely. The result is a shorter, more responsive key stroke and precise control over the pianissimo dynamic range.

This video demonstrates how the Dolce Pedal brings grand-piano sensibility to an upright. The left pedal engages a soft touch ideal for piano dynamics; the middle Mezzo Dolce pedal reaches the most delicate pianissimo and can be locked in position — an invaluable feature for practice in quiet environments. Together they open a tonal world rarely available on vertical instruments, including the kind of nuanced transition from forte to pianissimo that defines expressive playing.

Featured on the Steinway K-132, the Dolce Pedal exemplifies the standard Steinway applies equally to its upright and grand pianos: the finest materials, the same exacting craftsmanship, and innovations that expand what a pianist can express.