Upright piano – The London Piano Institute

Choosing Between an Upright and a Grand Piano (Part 2)

Arwen — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 11:16:40 +0000

In part one, we explored some fundamental aspects to consider before making the final decision – from the design to costs and maintenance.

Even though this article might have helped narrow it down a bit, if you are reading this you clearly have some doubts as to which piano you should choose.

In part two of this series, we get personal. Because choosing a piano isn’t just about the strings and – it’s about you: your style, your space, your goals.

We’re going beyond the simple specs to look at real-life factors that often shape the decision.

Piano shopping should not only be about the boring and automatic stuff – it’s time to throw in a splash of colour to the equation and choose the right one for you.

Whether you’re still torn between the two or leaning toward one, this part will help you make a choice that truly fits you – not just your room or budget.

Space and Practicality

Probably one of the major factors to consider – you might be thinking about getting a piano, but does your space allow it?

Upright:

Thanks to its vertical structure, the upright piano is a suitable pick for those who have limited space and don’t want the instrument to feel like an elephant in the room – literally.

A typical upright piano averages between 100cm to 152cm tall, as covered in part one, with a width averaging between 147cm to 153cm.

Thus, it is ideal for homes and small studios. Moving this instrument is not nearly as much of a challenge as moving a grand piano, but can still have some difficulties.

It is important to consider transporting the instrument to its desired place as well, so that you don’t sit with a piano that cannot even get into your home.

Grand:

We all know that a grand piano requires sizable space, making them unrealistic for smaller living areas.

You can still move around an upright piano until you are satisfied with its location, whereas a grand piano is more of a permanent fixture in a room.

While grand pianos offer superior sound quality, their size and weight makes it problematic and difficult to move to its desired space. Thus, grand pianos are best for concert halls and large rooms

Aesthetics and Prestige

Different pianos’ looks and aesthetics appeal to different people based on personal preference and style.

Upright:

Although upright pianos are sometimes seen as less prestigious because of their vertical structure compared to a grand, many high-end models deliver impressive sound quality and elegant aesthetics.

From high-gloss ebony finishes to rich mahogany wood grain, upright pianos are available in a wide variety of materials and colours to suit different interior styles – whether you’re decorating a minimalist studio, a traditional lounge, or a modern family home.

With proper maintenance and care, an upright can become a beautiful and musically rewarding centrepiece in any room – without taking up too much space.

Their tall, narrow build allows them to integrate seamlessly against walls or within small alcoves, making them an attractive option for apartments or tighter living spaces.

Some uprights are designed with decorative elements such as carved legs, antique-style panels, brass accents, or sculpted music stands, offering a visual experience that is both classic and refined.

Beyond aesthetics alone, upright pianos carry a timeless charm. There’s a nostalgic quality to them – they remind us of old parlours, school halls, and quiet Sunday afternoons.

Grand:

Grand pianos are widely recognised for the significant aesthetic and prestige value they possess, often serving as the heart in a room and a statement of luxury.

More than just instruments, they are symbols of refinement, artistry, and timeless elegance.

Their sweeping, horizontal structure and graceful, curved silhouette make them an architectural element as much as a musical one.

The very presence of a grand piano elevates the appeal of any space, regardless of the venue.

In terms of visual impact, grand pianos are bold and expressive.

Unlike upright pianos, which are designed to blend into walls and save space, grand pianos visually burst into the room, spreading outward with a sense of movement and elegance.

Their open lid reveals intricate inner mechanics, inviting curiosity and admiration from musicians and non-musicians alike. A grand piano doesn’t just complement a room – it defines it!

Choosing Based on Purpose

In the end, it all comes down to the purpose the instrument will serve.

Upright:

If you are just starting out with piano, maybe even still testing the fields, and not entirely sure if playing piano is a hobby you would want to invest in, I suggest getting an upright piano.

There are many affordable ones you can choose from without regretting later on if you decide to stop playing piano. Second hand pianos are always in the market should you want to resell.

As mentioned earlier, upright pianos are perfect for smaller spaces while serving their purpose gracefully while quietly blending into the background of any room.

Grand:

This piano is generally more for professionals, concert pianists and collectors – since you need the budget and space to have and maintain such an intricate instrument.

Yet of course, you need not be a professional, anyone can get a grand piano – I know I would!

Many piano collectors have never played piano before, yet choose the grand to become a unique centre piece of their collection.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of this series, it’s clear that space, purpose, and budget are the key players when choosing between an upright and a grand piano.

Each option offers its own unique blend of beauty, sound, and practicality.

Taking the time to explore all your options isn’t just smart – it’s essential. Whether you lean toward the elegance of a grand or the versatility of an upright, the best piano is the one that truly fits your life.

If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, you can check it out here.

Choosing Between an Upright and a Grand Piano (Part 1)

Arwen — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:53:32 +0000

When your choice gets narrowed down to buying either an upright or a grand piano, it is good to weigh out all the options before making the final decision… But what are the options?

In this article, we will take a look at a few different aspects and characteristics of both types of pianos, as well as exploring the price range to help aid in your decision.

These pianos typically agree when it comes to the basics, but differ in other things with the main difference being the design and structure of the piano.

If you are in the market searching for a piano, use this article as a guide to help with your choice.

The Design and Structure

The physical difference is always the easiest way to tell these two apart, but do you know why they differ?

Upright:

An upright piano is a vertical piano where the soundboard and strings are placed vertically, hence the vertical structure.

Normally the cabinet (frame) is made out of wood with a variety of materials used for the internal design, accompanied with two or three pedals.

It is more suitable for smaller spaces due to its compact nature without compromising too much on quality, functionality or technicality.

According to a piano tuner on pianotechniciantuner.com, the size varies depending on the type.

Upright pianos are split into four categories namely spinet, console, studio and the normal full size/upright piano.

The spinet, being the smallest of the four, is usually 91-100cm tall and even uses a different mechanism.

Console piano’s height ranges from 100-112cm and a typical studio piano is 115-117cm tall.

Both the console and studio piano have compact soundboards, but do not produce as great sound as a full sized upright piano normally does.

An upright piano averages between 122-153cm tall with the internal mechanism design being more complex than grand pianos!

Grand:

Known for its elegant design, grand pianos’ structure revolves around its horizontal soundboard and string arrangement.

The broad and extensive internal structure allows for a richer and more powerful tone.

The outer design usually consists of a high-quality wooden frame and rim, some even being made out of glass!

Grand pianos also typically have two or three pedals, but are more likely to have three.

These pianos range from 117-244cm in length and are usually 153cm wide. Just like upright pianos, grand pianos can also be categorised into different sizes.

There is a wide variety of sizes, the smallest being the Petite/Baby Grand and the largest; Concert Grand.

In between these two are the Parlor Grand, Professional grand, medium grand, large grand and semi-concert grand.

Sound Quality and Performance

Generally, the larger the piano, the richer the tone.

This is due to the fact that larger pianos have longer strings and larger soundboards which contributes to a richer and more resonant tone and sound.

Upright:

Just because this instrument is compact and space-efficient, it should not be overlooked!

Upright pianos still create resonant, rich and crisp sounds – but obviously not on the same level of fullness as grand pianos do.

The shorter strings and smaller soundboard definitely limits some sound and tone potential, but depending on your needs, the upright piano could be better suited to your needs.

In my opinion, playing on an upright piano is nothing too special, but that could be because I have played on an upright my entire life.

It is rather nice that you can put the piano in a small space and still be able to get the most out of it, where the grand requires a lot of space.

Grand:

Grand pianos generally have better sound quality in nature, thanks to its longer strings and larger soundboard that allows for a greater vibration.

Even the foot pedals on grand pianos are more responsive and create a better sustain.

Due to gravity and the natural layout of these pianos, the responsiveness of the keys is faster than one would typically find in an upright piano.

Just like an upright piano, grand pianos’ normally have 88 keys.

Playing on a grand piano definitely leads you into another world.

I feel extremely professional and powerful when I get the chance to play on a grand piano.

I might be a little biassed, but playing on an upright does not come close to playing on a grand piano.

Which one do you prefer?

Cost and Maintenance

Having a budget helps narrow down all the options, but your choice should still be the best one possible.

Upright:

Upright pianos are mostly less expensive than grand pianos and this goes without saying.

Uprights are also more common and more accessible.

Thus the maintenance will also be cheaper than on grand pianos.

On Yamaha London Music’s website upright pianos range from £3000-£30,000 – but buying second hand is always an option.

Basic maintenance usually costs £80-£100.

Grand:

Richardlawsonpianos.com offers grand pianos starting from £17,000 to over £40,000.

Basic tuning can cost about £100-£160, but the price quickly hikes to about £500 when properly servicing it.

Did you know, some of the most expensive grand pianos reach over £1.8M!

Conclusion

We have looked at only the first part of differences between the upright vs grand piano, but hopefully your mind is already leaning towards one in favour.

If I had no budget, I’d definitely go with the grand piano. In my opinion, its elegant design and incredible sound projection are simply unmatched which is truly something to fall in love with!

Of course, having the space and money for it is key.

Thus it is more important to live within your means and boundaries as to preference.

But whether you’re drawn to the splendour of a grand concert instrument or the practicality of an upright, I hope part one of this article has helped you move closer to choosing the piano that suits your space, lifestyle, and musical goals best.