Explore the Characteristics of 5 Unique Piano Varieties through this Comprehensive Guide

What Are the Different Types of Pianos and How Do They Differ?

Pianos come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique sound and feel. Acoustic pianos are the traditional type of piano that has been around for centuries, while digital pianos are a more modern invention. Grand pianos and upright pianos differ in size and shape, while baby grand pianos are smaller versions of the grand piano. In this article, we will explore five different types of pianos and how they differ from one another.

Upright Piano

The upright piano is smaller in size and has a different shape than the grand piano. The upright pianos are also often made of materials like wood as opposed to metal. This can give your sound a warmer tone and provide more comfort for the player’s hands. The smaller size of an upright also makes it easier for young children to learn on these pianos because they are less daunting than larger versions. Uprights are typically used in homes where space is limited, which may be why you see them more often at types of establishments such as museums or recital halls. The upright piano will typically be the least expensive of all of the models and, because they tend to be smaller, are often perfect for small spaces. In addition, they are very easy to transport and store in your home or office when you’re not playing on them. Although the upright piano is the least expensive of all models, keep in mind your piano will have to be maintained by having it tuned. That’s an extra expense that comes with having an acoustic, upright piano. Pianos are tuned by professionals called “Piano tuners.” A piano tuner is a person who tunes pianos. They are skilled in the art of tuning and repairing piano mechanisms to make sure that they are in perfect working condition.

Grand Pianos

The most common type of piano is the grand piano. Grands are the largest and the most expensive type of piano. Grand piano soundboards are horizontal. This allows for much longer strings and a greater soundboard area. The action of a grand piano is much different than an upright piano because the strings sit horizontally. The piano can play faster and with more control than an upright due to the hammers being reset by gravity as opposed to a complicated combination of springs. The visible key size is identical across all pianos, but the grand piano key extends far deeper into the piano than an upright. This makes for a longer leaver, giving the pianist more control over dynamics and tone. There are many types of grand pianos, including concert grands, upright grands, spinet grands, and baby grands. Concert grand instruments are large enough to fit a keyboard that stretches across the entire width and length of the instrument’s case. Large grand pianos are usually from 6’5″ in length up to 7’4″. They weigh from approximately 650 to 850 lbs. Concert grand pianos are usually from 7’4″ up to 9’6″ in length. They weigh from approximately 900 to 1200 lbs.

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FUN FACT:

The number of grand pianos sold in the United States increased by nearly 37 percent in 2021 over the previous year. Overall, approximately eight thousand grand pianos were sold in the U.S. in 2021, whereas the unit sales of this musical instrument reached roughly six thousand in 2020.

Baby Grand Piano

If you’ve ever wondered which piano size is the most purchased, then wonder no more! Baby grand pianos are from 4′ 6″ in length up to 5’3″ in length. They weigh approximately 550 lbs. Medium grand pianos are usually from 5’5″ in length up to 6’3″ in length. They weigh approximately 600 lbs. The baby grand piano is the most purchased piano size in the world. The originality and versatility of baby grand pianos allow them to be enjoyed by anyone who loves playing the piano. Many people purchase their first baby grand piano when they have children or decide to take the piano up themselves. If there is already a baby grand piano in the family home, sometimes a piano player will decide to upgrade to a larger size, space permitting. In simplest terms, the baby grand piano is a smaller grand piano, just like any baby is small compared to its mom and dad. The legend has it that Steinway & Sons Model O was referred to as baby grand vs. its Model A, which was referred to as parlor grand. If you actually saw a grand piano and baby grand piano side-by-side in one space (outside of a piano shop), it would sort of be like seeing a mama elephant with her baby. The same, just a smaller size. 

Some piano manufacturers may classify their grand pianos into just three size categories: baby grand, grand and concert grand. Within these categories, a baby grand piano will typically be any piano under 6″ long, a grand will be between 6″ and 7″ and a concert grand will be any grand piano longer than 7″.

Digital Pianos

A digital piano is an electronic keyboard instrument that can be used with a computer or mobile device. It is often used in modern recording studios and music classrooms to help students learn the basics of playing a piano.

Digital pianos are becoming more common in the market as they have become more affordable and accessible. They are also gaining popularity because they have many features that make them easier to use than traditional pianos. The digital piano is a relatively new technology that has been introduced to the market. It is easy to use and offers a lot of features that make it attractive to people. However, there are some things you need to know before buying one of these devices.

The quality of a digital piano can vary greatly. But with the right budget, you can get an electronic keyboard that is both a cheaper and better option than what you would find in stores. But before buying one for your needs, it is important to consider some factors, such as the sound quality and the features that come with the model you are planning to purchase. In general, digital pianos can meet all the needs of a beginner on up. Many electric keyboards can have similar features; however, not all offer the same quality and sound as others. But some models have a better sound quality that is comparable to acoustic ones.

Keyboards

A keyboard instrument is a musical instrument played using a keyboard, a row of levers that are pressed by the fingers. The most common of these are the piano, organ, and various electronic keyboards, including synthesizers and digital pianos. Other keyboard instruments include celestas, which are struck idiophones operated by a keyboard, and carillons, which are usually housed in bell towers or belfries of churches or municipal buildings.

An electronic keyboard, portable keyboard, or digital keyboard is an electronic musical instrument, an electronic derivative of keyboard instruments. Electronic keyboards include synthesizers, digital pianos, stage pianos, electronic organs and digital audio workstations. Keyboards are great when you encounter space limitations in your home or apartment.

The Pros and Cons of Acoustic and Digital Pianos

In conclusion, both acoustic and digital pianos have their strengths and weaknesses, but they are both popular types of pianos because they are available in a wide range of sizes, price ranges, and degrees of complexity. It is important to know the differences between these models before deciding which one to buy. I hope you found this article helpful and empowered you to buy the right piano for your needs. Your healing and wellness journey should begin with the right piano for you to learn, play and enjoy.