Baby Grand Piano vs. Upright: Which One is Right for You?

Welcome to the world of pianos! Choosing the right piano for your home or studio can be exciting but tricky. It's why we've got this baby grand piano vs upright debate happening right here, right now.

As a piano player and piano teacher, I've had the pleasure of playing on a wide variety of pianos. Even huge, expensive grand pianos and they all have their quirks and feel different. But let's figure out which one is right for you and the pros and cons of both.

The Baby Grand Piano

Black baby grand piano

Imagine a fancy concert hall with a beautiful baby grand piano in the spotlight. It looks elegant and sounds amazing. Baby grand pianos have a lot of good things going for them.

Firstly, they're a great size. Baby grands are about 5 to 7 feet long, which makes them look great and fit well in many spaces.

But the best part is the sound. Baby grands have longer strings and a larger soundboard, so they produce a rich, full tone. Musicians who play classical or jazz music love the baby grand's clear sound and ability to play soft or loud.

The touch of a baby grand piano is also great. The keys are easy to press, although they can be on the firm side and the piano responds well to the player's touch. Musicians can play with different dynamics and make beautiful music effortlessly.

The Upright Piano

You can easily decorate the top of an upright piano

Now let's talk about the upright piano. It's a practical and versatile choice loved by many. This is the piano you'll see in most homes.

One big advantage is its size. Unlike the baby grand, upright pianos fit against a wall, saving space. They're great for people with limited room or just a normal amount of room. They're also easier to move around if you need to.

Another great thing about upright pianos is that they're more affordable. If you're just starting or on a budget, an upright piano is a good option.

They may be smaller, but they can still produce good sound, especially with modern technology. You can play different styles of music on an upright piano, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.

Each upright piano you play will be unique and feel unique. So some keys will be stiffer while others won't feel that way as much. Some pedals will be higher off the ground as well. So if you're wondering about this, just try the piano before you buy.

Baby Grand Piano Vs. Upright Piano Cost

With every type of piano, there will be more expensive pianos and cheaper versions. But it should be said that Baby Grands will cost a lot more. You could probably find an upright piano for under $1000 (more on this on the How Much Do Pianos Cost page) where as a baby grand should be seen more as an investment.

Baby Grands are more of a status symbol than upright pianos are. I have played on grand pianos at parties that mostly just sit in the corner looking pretty. I have also played on other beautiful grands in concert halls and venues that have beautiful sound and are used frequently.

Upright pianos don't really go over well in professional settings. At least not as well as a Baby Grand would.

So to sum this bit up, Baby Grands are more expensive but better for professional settings.

How Do You Choose the Right Piano?

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do you really love the look of the Baby Grand and prefer that over the upright piano?
Will professional piano players use this or will it be used often publicly?
Do you really want to invest in the full sound of a Baby Grand piano? Or do you really want to hear the smaller differences in sound?
Do you have space for a Baby Grand?
Is a Baby Grand within your budget?
Is so, the Baby Grand Piano might be right for you.

On the other hand ...

Are you just starting to learn piano or is your child starting lessons?
Would it be more convenient to be able to place the piano against the wall?
Would you like to find a bargain or not pay too much for a piano?
Would you like to be able to put things on your piano, change the colour or just not be to fussy about keeping it in pristine shape?

If so, then the upright might win the Baby Grand Piano vs. Upright Piano debate for you.

Conclusion

Both the baby grand and upright piano have their own strengths and appeal. The baby grand looks impressive and sounds grand, perfect for musicians who want a rich, expressive tone.

On the other hand, the upright piano is practical, space-saving, and affordable, making it a good choice for beginners and those with limited space.

When choosing between a baby grand and an upright piano, think about your personal preferences, musical goals, and the space you have available. Whichever you choose, both instruments will bring the joy of music into your life. So, pick the one that suits you best and let the melodies begin!

Also, if you are buying a new piano, there are a few more costs to consider and you can read more about them on How Much Do Pianos Cost.

More pages that might help:

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