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.