Upright vs Grand Piano: Which One Fits Your Music Style and Space?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between an upright and a grand piano? Maybe you're thinking about buying one, or perhaps you're just curious. Well, you're in the right place! Let's dive into the world of pianos and explore the key differences between these two types.

What Are They?

An upright piano, also known as a vertical piano, has its strings arranged vertically. This makes it more compact and perfect for homes or schools where space is limited.

A grand piano has its strings arranged horizontally, requiring more floor space. You've probably seen grand pianos in concert halls or in movies, being played by talented musicians.

Key Differences

Sound Quality

Grand pianos generally offer a richer, more resonant sound due to their larger soundboards and longer strings. Upright pianos can still produce good sound, especially higher-end models, but might not have the same depth and projection as grand pianos.

Playability

Grand pianos have a more responsive action, meaning the keys are lighter and more sensitive to your touch. This allows for better control over dynamics and faster repetition of notes, which is crucial for professional musicians.

In grand pianos, the key only needs to move up halfway before it can be played again, thanks to the escapement mechanism. In some upright pianos, you might need to let the key come up more fully before playing it again, which can affect the speed of playing rapid notes.

Space

Upright pianos are space-savers; they can fit against a wall and don't take up as much floor space. Grand pianos, especially larger ones, need a lot of room, sometimes up to 9 feet or more. Piano Gallery offers fabric grand piano templates free of charge to take home and fit to your space. Though certainly larger than a vertical piano, many of our customers are surprised to find out just how well a baby or parlor grand piano will fit in their homes!

Cost

Grand pianos are generally a larger investment due to their size, materials, and construction. Upright pianos are more budget-friendly, making them a great choice for beginners looking for their first piano.

Maintenance

Both types require regular tuning to keep their sound in top shape. Grand pianos might need a bit more care due to their larger size and more complex action.

How to Choose

Deciding between an upright and a grand piano involves considering several factors:

• If you have limited space and a tighter budget, an upright piano is a practical choice.
• If you're a serious musician or want the best sound and playability, a grand piano might be worth the investment.

It's also worth noting that some high-quality upright pianos from brands like Yamaha, Schimmel, or Seiler can offer sound and playability that rival smaller grand pianos. So, it's always a good idea to try out different models to find the one that suits you best.

At Piano Gallery, we carry a wide range of upright and grand pianos from top brands like Yamaha, Kawai, Schimmel, and Seiler. For example, the Yamaha U1 upright piano is known for its excellent sound and playability, making it a popular choice for both beginners and professionals. On the grand piano side, the Yamaha C5 is a highly sought-after model for its beautiful tone and responsive action.

Come to our showrooms in Idaho Falls or Pocatello to experience the difference for yourself, or browse our online store to see our full selection!