If you’re considering investing in a piano it can seem a daunting task, with so many brands, models, and types out there, to know what type of piano is right for you. It will come down to a number of things, including; budget, intended purpose, skill level, space, and the amount of effort you want to put into the upkeep of your piano. Here we look into the differences between a grand piano and an upright piano – their pros and cons, level of upkeep, and financial cost, to help you to decide on the right instrument for you.  

Grand Piano 

A grand piano is a luxurious, magnificent, and pretty spectacular solo instrument. It is at the highest end of the piano spectrum, with a retail price to reflect this. A new Yamaha Grand Piano will cost upwards of £5,000 – although second-hand pianos can be found at lower prices. If you do decide to look into used grand pianos it is important to request a service history, as if it hasn’t been well looked after it may be costly to repair or even be unrepairable. 

A grand piano is a significant financial investment but a worthwhile one if you’re prepared to provide sufficient care for the piano, it can be passed down the generations as somewhat of an heirloom. General maintenance includes initial preventative measures such as placing the piano in an area that isn’t subject to temperature changes and ongoing maintenance like cleaning the interior mechanisms and having the piano tuned – every 6 to 12 months. It is also recommended to have a grand piano serviced every 3 to 5 years, to keep it in the best condition. If you look after the piano adequately you will have one of the greatest instruments in the world, with an unrivaled sound fit to fill any concert hall. Grand pianos are built with better materials than upright pianos and these give them a better sound quality, action, and durability. You will have a more refined playing experience with a grand piano. 

Upright Piano 

An upright piano is a very different instrument from a grand piano, in materials, production, retail price, size, and sound quality. It is often a favored option for those who don’t want a large initial outlay, a large instrument, or a piano that requires any upkeep. An upright piano is a cost-effective, space-saving alternative but still with the provision to allow for musical expression and skill growth. There are two different types of an upright piano – An acoustic upright or a digital upright and these differ primarily in sound quality. An acoustic upright piano produces its sound by felt-covered hammers hitting steel-wire strings, it’s a natural sound and the quality is richer and more harmonic than a digital. A digital upright features electronic speakers that playback the recordings of an acoustic piano, it doesn’t have any hammers or strings. The digital offers room for creative play as a player can switch the sound to mimic many different instruments, such as a guitar, harp, or cello. 

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