When buying your first piano it is often unclear which piano is the best option for you and your space. This brings us to our question today, Upright vs Grand Piano, which is better?

When choosing between a grand piano and an upright piano, several things must be considered. Let’s look at the differences between a Grand piano and an Upright Piano to find out what makes them unique, and help you choose the right instrument.

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Upright vs Grand Piano: Design

While an upright piano has a compact and vertical design a grand piano has a horizontal design which allows for longer strings and a larger soundboard. Grand pianos take up more space than uprights.

Upright piano sizes range from small spinet models that can be as small as 3′ in width, through to console and studio models that vary in height but are usually around 5′ wide.

They may be smaller than their bigger brothers, but all upright pianos also offer 88 keys that are usually made of wood or ivory-covered wood.

An upright is a suitable choice for smaller spaces and intimate musical settings. They are often found in jazz bars, schools, dance studios, and even in larger halls.

Upright pianos can be surprisingly loud and they are not limited to small spaces. They benefit from the acoustics of the room where they are situated.

Grand pianos come in various sizes, ranging from compact “Baby grand” models, measuring as little as 5 feet in length, to larger “Concert grand” models that can extend to 9 feet or more.

They have robust frames constructed from cast metal and horizontally positioned soundboards crafted from thin wood. Dampers are situated atop the strings, adjacent to the horizontally placed hammers.

The lid of the grand piano is adjustable, allowing for an enhanced projection of sound. Every grand piano is equipped with 88 keys, made of ivory, wood, or synthetic ivory-covered wood.

The Yamaha grand piano below shows clearly how much space a ‘standard’ grand piano takes up.

Upright vs Grand Piano: Sound

Upright Pianos have a vertical structure, with the soundboard and strings running vertically. The compact design of upright pianos means that the strings are shorter in comparison to grand pianos.

The tone of upright pianos is described as more direct and compact. The shorter string length contributes to a brighter and less complex tone compared to grand pianos.

In grand pianos, the strings and soundboard are arranged horizontally. They are more suitable for professional recording studios than upright pianos. Grand pianos also tend to project sound better in larger spaces such as concert halls.

Grands are known for their wider tonal range, richer harmonics, and more expressive sound. The longer strings and larger soundboard contribute to a fuller and more resonant tone.

Grand pianos are often considered more aesthetically pleasing.

Upright vs Grand Piano: Playability

When considering an upright piano vs Grand Piano, playability will be a large factor in your purchase.

The keys and hammers in upright pianos differ from grand pianos, and grand pianos usually offer a more responsive touch overall, allowing for more nuanced expression and greater dynamic contrast in your playing.

The mechanism of upright pianos, while proficient and reliable, will provide a slightly different touch response, influencing the pianist’s expressive capabilities and playing technique.

The action in grand pianos is superior to upright pianos.

Upright vs Grand Piano: Pedals

Upright Piano

• Soft pedal (left pedal): Bring all the hammers closer to the strings. Reduces volume.
• Muffler pedal (middle pedal): Also called the practice pedal. A thin piece of felt is dropped between the hammers and strings, muting the sound.
• Sustain pedal (right pedal): Functions the same way as in a grand piano. The dampers remain lifted even if the fingers are taken off the keys and all notes are sustained.

Grand Piano

• Shift Pedal -Left Pedal): Also called the soft pedal or una corda pedal. When depressed, this shifts the entire action assembly to the right, changing not only the volume of the sound but also making slight changes to the tone.
• Sostenuto Pedal – Middle Pedal: This keeps the dampers raised and away from the strings of any keys played just before depressing the pedal, so you can sustain selected notes.
• Sustain Pedal – Right Pedal: Also called the damper pedal. The dampers remain lifted even if the fingers are taken off the keys, sustaining all played notes.

Upright vs Grand Piano: Investment

Grand pianos often come with a higher initial investment and maintenance consideration, reflecting their structural complexity and acoustic richness.

Upright pianos, being more budget-friendly, are a viable option for those seeking a balance between quality and affordability.

What Are the Best Upright Pianos?

There are many popular and sought-after upright piano models. Yamaha and Steinway make some of the best upright models, including the Yamaha YUS series, U series, M series, and the Steinway K-52 and 1098.

You can read more about these pianos in the following articles:

The Best Yamaha Upright Piano: Top 5 Acoustic Pianos

The 6 Best Steinway Upright Pianos (Full Reviews)

What Are the Best Grand Pianos?

Some of the best grand pianos include:

1. Steinway Model D
2. Yamaha CFX
3. Yamaha GB1-K
4. Boston GP163
5. Baldwin BP-165
6. Kawai GL-10
7. Bösendorfer 290 Imperial
8. Fazioli F308
9. C. Bechstein D 282
10. Blüthner Model 1
11. Kawai GX-7
12. Mason & Hamlin Model CC-94

Upright vs Grand Piano: FAQ

1. What Are the Main Differences Between Upright and Grand Pianos?

The primary differences lie in their size, shape, and internal mechanisms. Upright pianos are vertically designed with shorter strings, while grand pianos have a horizontal structure with longer strings and a larger soundboard.

2. How Do Upright and Grand Pianos Differ in Terms of Aesthetics and Space Requirements?

Upright pianos are more space-efficient and suitable for smaller spaces as they can be placed against a wall.

Grand pianos have a distinct horizontal design and are often considered more aesthetically pleasing, making them a common choice for larger performance spaces.

3. Which Type of Piano Is More Suitable for Beginners?

Both upright and grand pianos can be suitable for beginners. It often depends on personal preference, available space, and budget.

Some beginners may prefer the compact size of upright pianos, while others appreciate the aesthetic and tonal qualities of grand pianos.

4. Do Upright and Grand Pianos Differ in Price?

Yes, generally, grand pianos tend to be more expensive than upright pianos. The size, construction, and materials used contribute to the price difference. However, there is a wide range of prices for both types, accommodating various budgets.

5. Can an Upright Piano Produce a Concert-Quality Sound?

While upright pianos may have certain limitations in terms of tonal richness and projection when compared to grand pianos, high-quality upright pianos can still produce excellent sound suitable for various musical settings, including concerts and recordings.

6. How Do These Pianos Fare in Terms of Maintenance and Tuning?

Both upright and grand pianos require regular maintenance and tuning. However, the specific requirements may vary.

Grand pianos might need more meticulous care due to their larger size and complexity, but the frequency of tuning is influenced by factors such as humidity and usage rather than the type of piano.

7. Can Grand Pianos Fit Into Smaller Living Spaces?

Yes, there are smaller-sized grand pianos, such as baby grands, designed to fit into more modest living spaces. However, if space is a significant constraint, upright pianos are generally more space-efficient.

8. Are There Specific Genres of Music That Are Better Suited for Upright or Grand Pianos?

Both types of pianos are versatile and can be used across various genres. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific tonal qualities desired for a particular musical style.

Grand pianos are commonly preferred in classical and jazz performances, while upright pianos are versatile for a wide range of genres, including pop and rock/blues.

Conclusion

With so many pianos to choose from, the decision comes down to your musical aspirations, spatial considerations, and how much you are willing to spend. Whichever piano you choose, you will surely cherish and enjoy your piano for years to come!

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