The main difference between a grand piano and an upright piano is the position of the strings and soundboard. Grand pianos have horizontal strings, while upright pianos have vertical strings.
Grand pianos and upright pianos are the two main types of pianos. Both offer unique benefits in terms of sound, size, and playability. But which one is right for you? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between grand and upright pianos. By understanding these distinctions, you’ll be better equipped to choose the best one for your needs.
Key Differences Between Upright Pianos and Grand Pianos
Difference in action
Grand pianos feature a horizontal action mechanism. The strings are laid out horizontally, allowing gravity to aid the hammer’s return (fallback) to its resting position. This allows for more control when repeating notes quickly, such as when playing trills.
Since upright pianos have their strings positioned vertically, they utilise a spring-loaded action. This mechanism returns the hammer to its resting position, which can slightly limit the speed and sensitivity of the key response. Although modern upright pianos have improved actions and some have longer key sticks, they typically do not match the responsiveness of a quality grand piano.
Size and Shape
Grand Pianos have a horizontal design, with strings and soundboard positioned flat. They range in size from baby grands, around 150cm long, to concert grands reaching up to 280cm long. This design allows for a larger soundboard and longer strings, contributing to greater projection, a more open sound and a richer tone.
Upright pianos are sometimes known as vertical pianos because of their compact, vertical structure. They typically range from 106 cm to 134 cm in height, making them ideal for small rooms or apartments.
Resonance and Sound Quality
Concert grand pianos produce a fuller, more resonant tone due to their longer strings and larger soundboard. Their horizontal design allows for better resonance and sustain, making them ideal for concert halls and professional use. Upright pianos have shorter strings and a smaller soundboard, resulting in a slightly insulated and less dynamic sound compared to a grand piano. However, high-quality upright pianos can still produce excellent tone and resonance. A high-quality upright piano can be a better instrument in terms of touch and tone compared to a small, entry-level grand piano.
Function of Pedals
The roles of the pedals vary between grand pianos and upright pianos.
Grand Piano Pedals:
- Una Corda pedal (left pedal): Also known as the soft pedal, this pedal changes the tone and volume of your playing by moving the keyboard and hammers so that they hit fewer strings
- Sostenuto pedal (middle pedal): Acts as a selective damper. This pedal holds down selective notes you wish to sustain. When it is depressed, the last note played continues playing while all the other notes are damped.
- Damper Pedal (right pedal): Also known as the sustain pedal. This pedal prolongs the sound of the piano by lifting dampers off the strings.
Upright Piano Pedals:
- Soft Pedal (left pedal): This pedal moves the hammers closer to the strings. This reduces the force of the hammers, making the notes softer.
- Practice pedal (middle pedal): This is also called the muffler pedal. A rail with felt is lowered between the hammers and the strings to make the sound very soft and muted. It is perfect for quiet practice.
- Sustain Pedal (right pedal): This is the same damper pedal as found on a grand piano. It sustains all the played notes.
Occasionally, some upright pianos (such as the Kawai K-800) will have a Sostenuto pedal.
Buying a piano?
Both grand and upright pianos have unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your space, budget, and playing needs. While grand pianos can offer unparalleled sound and playability, upright pianos provide a practical and affordable alternative without compromising quality. Understanding these differences will help you select the best piano for your musical journey. Snadens Pianos offers a range of both upright and grand pianos. Visit our showroom in Nedlands to try these pianos out yourself. We can help you find the best piano to suit your needs.