Graduating from an upright acoustic piano to a grand piano is a big day. After all, for piano players, there’s no better instrument than a grand piano. But there are a lot of options and price ranges, so let’s explore grand piano vs baby grand.
Grand pianos typically range from 5 to 9 feet in length and cost between $10,000 and $100,000. Baby grands are usually 4 to 5 feet long and cost between $3,000 and $20,000. Grand pianos have a fuller sound with more resonance due to their larger size.
In this post, we will explore what sets baby grands apart from other types of grand pianos and why they are often considered the gold standard for many musicians. We’ll also take a closer look at how concert halls choose their instruments and why certain models are preferred over others.
Whether you’re an aspiring musician or simply someone who appreciates beautiful music, understanding the differences between baby grands, concert grands, and upright pianos can help you make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing or renting an instrument.
From their different sizes, acoustic quality, and exclusive characteristics to the advantages they can offer, each kind of piano has its own individual benefits that can improve your musical experience.
So if you’re ready to dive deeper into the fascinating world of piano playing, keep reading!
By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what makes baby grand pianos so special and why they continue to be one of the most popular choices among musicians around the world.
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Difference Between Grand and Baby Grand Pianos
- Choosing the Right Piano for Your Space
- Should You Buy a Grand or Baby Grand Piano?
- How Does Playing a Grand or Baby Grand Piano Differ?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Understanding the Difference Between Grand and Baby Grand Pianos
Size is a major factor in distinguishing these two instruments.
Grand pianos come in several sizes, from petite to concert grands. Baby grand pianos are simply a smaller grand piano and usually measure between 4’6″ and 5’10”. Professional or full grands can range from 6’2″ to 9′. Music room grands typically measure around 6′, while semi-concert grands can be as large as 8′.
The largest size is the concert grand, which often measures up to 10′.
The price difference between grand and baby grand pianos also varies significantly depending on size. Petite or mignon grands tend to be cheaper than their larger counterparts because they require fewer strings and less material for construction.
Baby grand prices will depend on age, condition, make/model, etc., with some models costing more than $20k USD new. Full professional grands start at around $15k USD new; music room grands cost slightly less; semi-concerts are even pricier; while concert grands easily run into six figures.
Strings are another area where there’s a big difference between these two types of piano.
Grand pianos have longer, thicker strings, and it’s the length of the strings that produce richer tones with greater resonance when played softly compared to shorter strings found in baby grand models.
As a result, sound quality and dynamic range tends to suffer when playing louder notes on a baby grand piano due to its limited string length and overall smaller size compared to how a grand piano sounds.
Action/keys play an important role in determining how well each type of piano responds when being played.
Grander models generally have heavier actions that allow for more control over dynamic changes within passages being performed – making it easier for experienced players who want maximum expression from their instrument without sacrificing tonal quality or accuracy during performances.
On the other hand, lighter actions like those found on most baby gran models offer quicker response times but may lack the subtlety needed by advanced players looking for extra nuances within their performance pieces.
When it comes to tone production and volume, both styles share similarities; however, there is still quite a bit of variation depending on the model and maker used. Generally speaking, you should expect deeper bass notes along with brighter treble sounds coming out from any standard-sized full-scale grand piano.
Lower-end baby versions might not reach the same levels due to their shorter string lengths and shallower body designs. This does not mean they won’t still produce great sounds; just don’t expect them to fill an entire hall like their bigger brothers could do if need be.
Comprehending the distinction between grand and baby grand pianos is an indispensable part of selecting a piano. With that in mind, let’s look at how to choose the right piano for your space.
Choosing the Right Piano for Your Space
When selecting a piano for your space, the size of the room and the size of the piano are important factors to consider.
Grand pianos range in size from 4 feet 6 inches to 9 feet, while baby grands measure between 5 and 7 feet. If you have a large room or stage, then a grand piano will be more suitable. On the other hand, if you’re working with a small space such as a normal-sized living room, then a baby grand may be better suited for your needs.
When deciding which piano to choose, take into account the type of music you will be playing in order to make an informed decision.
Grand pianos offer excellent volume and resonance capabilities due to their larger strings and soundboards which makes them ideal for classical music performances as well as jazz ensembles or church choirs.
Baby grands provide an excellent balance between power and control that is perfect for pop ballads or light jazz tunes but may not be able to handle loud rock riffs quite as effectively as its bigger brother.
Finally, the budget should also come into play when deciding whether a grand or baby grand piano fits best in your home studio setup or live performance venue.
While both instruments require some form of maintenance throughout their lifetime (such as regular tuning), they do differ significantly in price with new models ranging anywhere from $10k-$50k depending on brand, model, and size.
Used models are generally much cheaper but those pianos could require additional repairs before being playable again, so it is important to keep this cost in mind too when making a purchase decision.
When selecting the ideal piano for your area, one must think about aspects such as size and expense. With that in mind, let’s delve into the variations between a grand piano and a baby grand to help you decide which one is ideal for your needs.
Should You Buy a Grand or Baby Grand Piano?
When it comes to choosing between a grand or baby grand piano, the decision should be based on your room size, purpose (home or performance), player skills level, and budget.
Room size:
A baby grand can be roughly five feet in length, while a full-sized grand piano may stretch up to nine ft. So, if your house or practice area is confined, then a baby grand could be the wiser option for small rooms.
Purpose:
If you are looking for an instrument that will primarily be used for performances in larger venues such as concert halls or theaters then a full-sized grand is recommended due to its increased sound projection and resonance capabilities compared to its smaller counterpart.
If you’re mostly using the piano at home, then it really depends on how much room is available; either size could be suitable.
Player skill level:
For experienced players, a grand piano is the way to go as it offers greater freedom when playing due to its more complex tonal range and dynamics.
On the other hand, if you’re a beginner pianist just getting your feet wet with learning how to tickle the ivories, then a baby grand is likely best since it requires less effort from your arms and wrists when pressing down keys than its bigger brother.
So don’t strain yourself; pick one that fits both your skill level and budget.
Budget:
The price range is an important consideration when selecting between these two piano types, as the grand piano cost can vary widely depending on brand/model and whether it’s a new piano or used.
Baby grands tend to cost significantly less than full-sized models so this might make them more attractive financially, especially if money is tight but still want something that sounds good enough for both practice sessions at home as well as occasional live performances too.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy a grand or baby grand piano should be based on personal preference and budget. Nevertheless, it is imperative to comprehend the contrast between playing these two kinds of pianos in order to make an educated buying decision.
How Does Playing a Grand or Baby Grand Piano Differ?
When it comes to playing a grand or baby grand piano, there are several key differences.
The sound of the two instruments is quite different; a baby grand has a mellower tone than its larger counterpart. This makes it better suited for more intimate settings, such as in small living rooms or recording studios.
Additionally, the playability and action of each instrument vary greatly; while both pianos have weighted keys, a baby grand’s keys tend to be lighter and more responsive than those on a full-sized grand piano.
The contrasting dimensions of the two types of pianos have an impact on how they are performed.
Grand pianos require more space due to their longer strings and size of the soundboard, so they can take up much more room than their smaller counterparts. On the other hand, because baby grands don’t need as much floor space they can fit into tighter spaces that wouldn’t accommodate regular-sized models.
Another important factor when considering which type of piano to purchase is cost; although prices vary depending on condition and brand name, generally speaking, you’ll pay less for a quality used baby grand in good condition compared with what you’d spend on an equivalent full-sized model.
As far as resale value goes though, this advantage may not last forever – many experts believe that if properly maintained over time then either type of piano could hold its value well enough for resale purposes later down the line.
Unless broken down, moving a full-size piano typically necessitates the help of at least two people, so it’s important to consider if you’ll be taking your instrument with you frequently.
While neither option is particularly easy to move around (unless broken down), moving a full-size model will usually require at least two people – something worth keeping in mind if you plan on taking your instrument with you from place to place often.
In contrast, however, most baby grands are light enough for one person to carry without too much difficulty; making them ideal for those who want an acoustic experience but still need some flexibility when it comes time to transport their instrument from gig to gig or studio session after session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a grand piano have more keys than a baby grand piano?
No, a grand piano does not have more keys than a baby grand piano.
Both pianos typically have 88 keys; the difference between them lies in their size and sound quality. Grand pianos are larger and produce a richer, fuller tone due to their increased string length and resonating body size.
Baby grands are smaller with shorter strings that create less resonance but still provide excellent sound quality for home use or small venues.
Do baby grand pianos sound better than upright pianos?
It is difficult to definitively answer whether baby grand pianos sound better than vertical pianos. The tonal characteristics of each type of piano are distinct, and which one is preferred can be subjective.
But generally, a baby grand piano will have a fuller sound due to its larger size, while an upright piano typically produces more focused tones.
Ultimately, it depends on personal taste and what kind of music is being played as both types are capable of producing beautiful sounds when properly maintained and tuned. A good quality upright piano might sound better than a low-quality petite baby grand.
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This is where I write many of my songs, I own a 1937 Hardman Grand Piano.
Made on 57st Lived in a Harlem Baptist church for 80+ years then in a few clubs in NYC finally a restaurant in Pennsylvanian then an artist in Jersey City. I played it & he gave it to me. pic.twitter.com/NTy6dp5R4L— Eliza Neals (@ElizaNealsRocks) March 30, 2023
What is the difference between a baby grand and a parlor grand?
A baby grand is a smaller, more compact version of the larger parlor grand.
Baby grands typically measure between 5 and 6 feet in length while parlor grands are usually 7 to 8 feet long. The soundboard size on a baby grand is also much smaller than that of its larger counterpart; this results in less volume and resonance from the instrument overall.
Furthermore, baby grands have fewer strings which further limits their ability to produce rich sounds compared to a parlor grand. But they are perfect for a smaller space.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main difference between a grand piano and baby grand is size.
A larger grand piano can offer more power and resonance in a concert hall setting while smaller spaces may benefit from the compactness of a baby grand. Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine which piano best meets your needs; both are capable of producing stunning sounds when properly maintained.
When choosing between the different grand piano types, consider not only the size but also how much space you have available for installation and whether or not professional pianists will be playing on them frequently – all factors that should help inform your decision-making process regarding purchasing either a traditional “grand” or “baby” version.
Image by Jewelia from Pixabay and Image by Audrey Hunt from Pixabay
