| Grand pianos are seen as the pinnacle of all | | | | Additionally, the grand piano also allows more |
| instruments, and are widely associated with the | | | | accomplished pianists to perform ornamentation and |
| glamorous jazz scene, and classical recitals. But what | | | | certain other musical features thanks to a special lever, |
| is it exactly about the grand piano that makes it sound | | | | which holds the hammer above the string for longer. |
| better than other types of piano, and is the fact that | | | | This means that by rapidly tapping the key, the |
| grand pianos are considerably more expensive really | | | | hammer has less distance to move to reach the string |
| justifiable? | | | | which ultimately correlates to an increased ability to |
| Grand pianos are a relatively modern technology in | | | | perform ornamentation and more complex staccato |
| piano design. Furthermore, they have proven to be the | | | | rhythms. With the upright design, it is impossible to |
| preferable design of choice for most of the world's top | | | | include this feature, therefore you will never be able to |
| pianists and enthusiasts. They differ from the other | | | | achieve the same overall responsiveness and feel as |
| major classification of upright pianos in a number of | | | | with a grand piano, and the more accomplished player |
| ways, largely relating to configuration and size. The | | | | should feel limited by the scope for ornamentation on |
| grand piano strings horizontally, and benefits from the | | | | the upright. |
| force of gravity in its mechanism. Additionally, its | | | | The fact that the grand piano occupies more space |
| sprawling structure allows for a fuller sound to | | | | allows its mechanism more freedom to strike the string |
| resonate through the bridge, giving an impressive tonal | | | | clearly. Additionally, the horizontality allows for a deeper |
| distinction between grands and most upright models. | | | | resonation through the wood which adds to sound. |
| Uprights on the other hand strive to be tight and | | | | Throw in the added benefit of the repetition lever, and |
| compact, whilst also affording similar tonal quality. Of | | | | you've got yourself a quality, unbeatable sound. |
| course, something has to give and with uprights, it's the | | | | Although the uprights really can't compete, they |
| overall sound quality which is simply non-comparable to | | | | certainly have the edge when it comes to |
| that of a grand. However, the compressed mechanism | | | | space-efficiency and cost. It really is a case of |
| on the upright is beneficial as a small and compact | | | | determining your needs and objectives, before |
| instrument for practice and smaller public recitals. | | | | selecting the piano that's right for you. |